Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on education for sustainable development (ESD) Hyogo-Kobe, and the contribution of Kobe University as a model case. An attempt to develop and implement a new ESD programme in higher education is also reported. Design/methodology/approach: A brief description of RCE Hyogo-Kobe, which was approved in 2007, is followed by the description of the contribution of Kobe University to the RCE's starting phase to date and in the near future. The initiative of establishing the RCE as well as the design and implementation of the ESD programme developed through the collaboration of three faculties: the Faculty of Human Development, the Faculty of Letters, and the Faculty of Economics. The programme focuses on students carrying out participatory action research enabled by collaboration with regional stakeholders on ESD and SD. Findings: Interdisciplinary collaboration was found to be essential in creating an innovative education programme in higher education. Activities and projects on ESD that existed earlier played important roles in the initiative, in formation of the network, and in directing RCE activities. Originality/value: Information from the case study will be useful in the establishment and development of an RCE through the initiative of an institute of higher education.