The SDG Global Summer School at Zhejiang University was unveiled

Prof. HE Lianzhen, the Vice President of Zhejiang University, articulated the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a shared vision for humanity and a roadmap for actions to benefit people and our planet. These remarks were made during the virtual opening ceremony of the 2nd SDG Global Summer School held on July 31st.

The Summer School, themed "SDG for a Shared Future," has attracted the participation of over a thousand young students hailing from 82 countries and regions across the globe. Together, they will embark on a collaborative journey over the next two weeks to explore innovative avenues towards a sustainable future.

“I hope you will translate what you have learned in the Summer School into actions, participate and work together on the road to sustainable development, take on a greater mission, and strive to be builders of world peace, contributors of global development, maintainers of international order, and promoters of human civilization,” she urged students.

In her welcoming address, Prof. HE Lianzhen underscored the critical importance of sustainable development in the face of global challenges, underscoring Zhejiang University's commitment to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its sustainability action plan, known as "A Global ZJU for Social Good (Z4G)."

“Under the framework of Z4G, in 2022 we held the first SDG Global Summer School,” he said, highlighting that the Summer School this year has been upgraded with the theme “SDG for a shared future”, embodying the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.”

Prof. CHU Chiheng, the Deputy Director of the Office of Global Engagement, delivered the first lecture to the students, sharing ZJU's noteworthy endeavours and accomplishments in sustainable development across education, research, and the establishment of a green campus.

Expanding on the foundation of the inaugural event, the Summer School 2023 offers five distinct academic modules. These modules are focused on areas such as Carbon Neutrality, Inclusive Development, Smart City, Data Visualization, and Networked Autonomous Systems, all aligned with the seven sustainable development goals. Additionally, a non-curricular cultural activity called "14-Day Tasks" has been organized to provide students with insights into China and foster a deeper understanding of Zhejiang University. With a captivating opening ceremony, students hailing from five continents have embarked on a two-week journey towards sustainability. They are guided by world-class professors from ZJU and partner universities, including Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, Yale University, UC Santa Barbara, University of Waterloo, the Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences (LSCE), Singapore University of Technology and Design, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This promises to be an enriching multicultural experience for all participants!