Empowering Climate Literacy: CSI Showcases DKU’s Sustainability Education at the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Education Panel during the Shanghai Climate Week

On April 26, the Climate and Sustainability Initiative (CSI) presented at the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Education Panel, held during Shanghai Climate Week. The panel brought together representatives from international organizations, academic institutions, local NGOs, and grassroots organizations. Notable attendees included Mr. David Wilgenbus, Executive Director of the Office for Climate Education (OCE) under the auspices of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Mr. Djian Sadadou, OCE’s International Relations & Communication Manager.

DKU was invited to deliver one of the keynote addresses, presenting an overview of its sustainability initiatives during the 2024–25 academic year. The presentation focused on four core pillars: research, education, operations, and community engagement.

In the area of sustainability education, CSI program coordinator Yi Yu highlighted a wide range of sustainability-related courses offered in 2024–25, showcasing DKU’s efforts to integrate sustainability across the curriculum. Climate literacy has been systematically embedded into required core courses such as Global Challenges in Science, Technology, and Health, with approximately half of the course content focused on climate change. This approach ensures that all DKU students meaningfully engage with environmental issues. Additionally, leveraging Duke University’s globally recognized environmental education resources, DKU developed the interdisciplinary course Let’s Talk About Climate Change, which attracted over 150 student participants.

Beyond the classroom, Yi highlighted various campus sustainability practices, including green campus development, community gardens, student-led biodiversity conservation projects, and eco-friendly thrift stores. These initiatives provide students with hands-on opportunities to engage with sustainability challenges on campus.

At the end of her presentation, Yi welcomed questions from fellow panelists. Mr. Sadadou of UNESCO asked how universities can ensure the long-term sustainability of student-led extracurricular clubs focused on climate action. Dr. Nafissa Insebayeva, a research fellow at the United Nations University, inquired about the challenges DKU faces in mainstreaming sustainability education. These questions reflected shared institutional concerns and signify the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration.

The panel was co-organized by the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Shanghai Green Light-Year, the University of Cambridge Alumni Network, and supported by RCE Suzhou (Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development). RCEs are global networks of organizations that promote education and learning for sustainable development at local and regional levels. The initiative was launched in support of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in 2005 and continues to play a vital role today.

By engaging closely with educators and stakeholders at both local, regional, and international levels, CSI remains committed to fostering collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange on sustainability issues.

For more information on Shanghai Climate Week 2025 Asia-Pacific Climate Change Education Panel: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/twG7x3nlmecf30lpz7CQ-Q