IAA Engages with Chinese Educational Leaders to Foster Sustainable Development and Education
- Jolie Yang
- Nov 4, 2024
- 3 min read
4 November 2024, Shanghai, China—In a series of meaningful engagements, Ambassador Marco Suazo, Head of Office at UNITAR-NYO, has met with leading academic institutions in China, including Tsinghua University and Shanghai University. These meetings laid the groundwork for a pivotal upcoming conference and fostered discussions on global development initiatives.
At Tsinghua University, a distinguished beacon of academic rigor known for its commitment to global discourse, Ambassador Suazo held in-depth discussions with prominent university leader on 30 October 2024. Ambassador Suazo engagements with Dr. Bin Yang, Vice President of Tsinghua University, alongside Dr. Chong-En Bai, Dean of the School of Economics and Management, Dr. Qing-An Zhou, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, and Dr. Ying Liao, Director of the Global Competence Center, underscored a shared dedication to enhancing collaboration between the academic and international development sectors.
The dialogues centered on creating and expanding joint programs and conferences designed to integrate sustainable practices across various professional fields. These initiatives aim to equip a new generation of leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to address global sustainability challenges effectively.
Ambassador Suazo and the Tsinghua representatives also explored potential research collaborations that could underpin these programs, proposing joint research initiatives and workshops. These would enable students and faculty from Tsinghua and UN-affiliated institutions to collaborate on projects addressing crucial issues like renewable energy and climate change mitigation, enhancing both the academic depth and practical impact of their efforts.
Furthering his mission of promoting sustainable development and cultural diplomacy, Ambassador Suazo proceeded to Shanghai University on 1 November 2024, where he met with Dr. Danhong Cheng, the Party Representative, Dr. Changsheng Liu, the President, Dr. Congchun Wang, the Vice President, and Dr. Jiangbo Jin, Executive Dean of the School of Urban Regeneration. Discussions revolved around establishing diverse programs that foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between Shanghai University and global academic communities, reinforcing a global ethos of diversity and cooperation.
The representatives from Shanghai University expressed robust support for these initiatives, acknowledging their potential to elevate the university’s leadership in sustainability and cultural education. They committed to deepening the collaboration with IAA and the UN community to new heights by defining specific areas of collaboration, including joint conferences, academic programs, and fellowship programs. These initiatives all aligned with broader global sustainable development goals.
Ambassador Suazo also delivered an engaging academic presentation of "Education and Culture" at Shanghai University, captivating both students and faculty. He outlined the 'Pact for the Future,' a strategic framework aimed at advancing global peace, prosperity, and environmental sustainability through targeted educational and cultural initiatives. His presentation highlighted the critical role of educational institutions in preparing leaders committed to ecological and social resilience and encouraged attendees to integrate sustainability into their academic and professional pursuits.
Both universities also discussed the potential inclusion of internship programs within these initiatives, designed to provide students with practical experiences in sustainable practices globally. This hands-on approach aims to translate theoretical knowledge into effective real-world applications, furthering the integration of culture, education, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in academic settings.
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