The Official Presentation of the International Master Degree in “Environmental Assessment and Integrated Management in Urban Areas” commenced at the Italian Pavilion on June 17, 2010.

Fang Shouen, the vice secretary of Tongji University, participated in the ceremony alongside the leaders of the Tongji Environmental Science and Engineering Department and the managers of the Sino-Italian campus.

During the meeting, Vice Secretary Fang introduced the history of cooperation between Tongji and Italian colleges. He also declared his appreciation for Tongji Honorary Professor Roberto Schmid, dean of Italy’s IUSS College and science technology consultant for Expo 2015 Milan. Finally, Secretary Fang hoped this project would be a good platform to help stimulate deeper research and discussion between Tongji University and Italian colleges regarding sustainable development and environmental protection. He also wished that the platform would promote more comprehensive interschool communication and cooperation between the two parties.

Professor Schmid made a basic introduction of the cooperation between the two countries in fields such as the environment and civic engineering. Professor Schmid also expressed his hope that the project would combine with the themes of Expo 2010 Shanghai (City), Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea (Oceans) and Expo 2015 Milan (Food and Health). It was his wish that the project would take the research of sustainable development to a higher level.

Secretary General of International Exhibitions Bureau Mr. Loscertales, custodian of the Italian Pavilion Mr. Quintieri, and UNEP representative Mr. Zhang Shigang were also present at the ceremony. Representatives from China’s Office of Foreign Affairs, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of Tongji and the Sino-Italian College also took part in the meeting.