Shaping leaders for a sustainable tomorrow
The SDG Education for Global Citizenship Programme, co-launched by CUHK and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, returned for its second run this summer, gathering 40 students from across the Asia-Pacific region to develop a social innovation solution to global challenges related to health and well-being.
Hosted under the auspices of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, the programme is open to students from 61 of its member universities from 18 economies. By delving into the significance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing global challenges, and co-creating solutions, the programme fosters a sense of shared responsibility and action among participants.
The initiative, in collaboration with Kyushu University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Simon Fraser University and the University of Malaya, aims to inspire action.
Themed “Shaping the Future of Health and Wellbeing” this year, five CUHK students joined some 40 students from other universities in the programme, conducted via both face-to-face and online modes, to develop a social innovation solution to a problem. They took part in online lectures, interactive workshops, a mentorship scheme, and a week of onsite activities in Malaysia or Thailand.
Professor Donna Chu Shun-chi, Director of CUHK’s School of Communications and Journalism, gave an interactive lecture on AI and media literacy, examining the notion of ‘technology’ with references to the media environment and current key debates about AI. Students were encouraged to think about how media and information literacy could contribute to address personal, ethical and legal challenges.
The programme concluded with an online pitching competition with eight student teams presenting their solutions to a panel of judges consisting of academics, representatives from the UN office in Thailand, and social innovation experts.
The programme draws on the social innovation expertise of the participating universities. Dr Terence Yuen, from CUHK’s Centre for Social Innovation Studies, mentored a multinational team comprised of students from Chulalongkorn University, Kyushu University, Nanjing University, and the University of Malaya, which took home the grand prize for their innovative app that connects young community members with the elderly.
Dr Yuen remarked: “The students’ diverse cultural backgrounds have enabled them to think beyond national settings, liberating them from the constraints of familiar policies and common technological solutions in the pursuit of novel ideas that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.”
In addition to online learning, students participated in an onsite programme including a visit to the United Nations headquarters in Thailand (pictured above) and enriching field trips to communities and workshops on public health and social innovation practices.
CUHK students said that the programme has deepened their commitment to addressing SDGs. Caryn-Callista, a student majoring in Food and Nutrition Sciences, shared: “I am now more aware of the channels available to contribute to the SDGs, which has sparked my interest in addressing these goals in my field. Collaborating with passionate individuals helped sharpen my critical thinking skills for social innovation.”
Wong Chi-fung, an MPhil student in Sociology, reflected on how the experience catalysed his journey towards achieving the SDGs. ”Social innovation provides fresh perspectives and approaches to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and equitable world by fostering an environment encouraging innovation and collaboration.”
Visit the website to learn how you can get involved in the movement.
