On November 24, the Embassy of Canada to China hosted a webinar themed “The Role of Universities in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, which invited representatives from higher education institutions, SDG-related social organizations, and the education and training industry in both China and Canada as viewers and speakers online. Representatives from the International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office of Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) attended the webinar.

Representatives from SZTU attend the webinar. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Sarah Gross, the first secretary of the Embassy of Canada to China, hosts the webinar. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Ms. Jennifer May, ambassador of Canada to China [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Office in Beijing [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Ms. Jennifer May, ambassador of Canada to China, and Prof. Shahbaz Khan gave welcome speeches. They stressed the critical roles played by universities and institutes in creating a sustainable future and advancing the UN SDGs, and hoped that the attendees can explore future opportunities and innovative models of cooperation in key areas covered by the SDGs by sharing relevant cases.

Prof. Anya Waite, associate vice-president of Dalhousie University and CEO of Ocean Frontier Institute, speaks at the panel discussion. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Prof. Li Min, director of the Office of Global Engagement at Zhejiang University, gives a talk. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Prof. Sandra den Otter, Vice-Provost (International) of Queen’s University, gives a presentation. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

Talk by Prof. Tang Xu (on the right), executive director of IRDR International Center of Excellence under Fudan University on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]

During the panel discussion, 10 speakers from different universities in Canada and China shared the projects and achievements of their universities in advancing the SDGs through research, teaching and learning, campus operations, and community engagement.

Attending the webinar helped SZTU learn more about UN SDGs and draw on experience from the best practices of SDG projects implemented by universities in both China and Canada.

Drafted by Olivia（赖丽伟）, Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office