From November 19th to 20th, 2024, ICARE Vice Dean Dr. Zou Mingqing led a delegation to visit the United Nations Development Programme and Environmental Defense Fund in Beijing. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential cooperation opportunities between the institute and these international organizations.
On the morning of November 19, the delegation held an exchange with the Beijing Representative Office of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Environmental Defense Fund is a renowned non-profit environmental organization founded in New York in 1967. It is dedicated to find win-win solutions for environmental improvement and economic development, providing solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. The Beijing Representative Office of EDF is the first foreign non-governmental organization registered under the Ministry of Environmental Protection as the supervisory authority.
EDF Vice President & Chief Representative of the Beijing Representative Office Qin Hu provided a detailed introduction to the association's development history, organizational structure, mission, vision, and the "Climate Corps" China project, among other topics. He mentioned that in recent years, students from ICARE have actively participated in the "Climate Corps" China project, providing energy-saving and carbon reduction solutions to several companies. They expressed hope for further collaboration in these areas.
Dr. Zou Mingqing introduced ICARE's development history, educational philosophy, and achievements, emphasizing the efforts made by students in global governance and sustainable development. Both sides reached a preliminary consensus on cooperation in student exchanges and internship programs.
On the morning of November 20, ICARE Office Director Zheng Jing led a delegation to visit the United Nations Development Programme Beijing Office. Youth Development Expert Gao Xin and her assistant participated in the exchange. Both sides discussed the international organization projects in which ICARE faculty and students can participate, as well as sharing experiences of internships at the United Nations.
Gao Xin stated that Chinese youth are increasingly involved in the work of international organizations in the field of sustainable development, particularly in recent years, with more students participating in the Movers4Climate “Green Village Youth Action.” Student volunteers teach in rural schools with climate knowledge, promoting sustainable development and environmental education in these regions. They focus on rural green development, bridging the gap in sustainable development education in rural areas, showcasing the responsibility of today's youth.
Zhao Yiting, the mentor of the HUST’s Global Governance and Sustainable Development Association (GGSD), noted that strengthening green and low-carbon education and popularization, enhancing social practice, guiding students to serve the country’s needs, and dedicating themselves to the development of key industries in new energy, are the original aspirations and missions of every member of the GGSD. She believes that through this exchange, members of the association will gain a deeper understanding and greater participation in the various activities organized by the UNDP in the future.
This visit aims to strengthen communication and understanding with international organizations based in China, lay a solid foundation for the development of international organization talent at HUST, promote the reform of teaching and student affairs in the field of new energy science and engineering, and provide clear pathways for students to engage in work at international organizations and international enterprises.
