Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, youngsters around the globe have been discussing the issue with high enthusiasm.

Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, the UN Environment-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD) and Suzhou University of Science and Technology, the Seminar on Urban Pollution Control in the context of UN Sustainable Development Goals was held at the Siping Campus of Tongji University on October 20th, 2017.

Prof. Li Fengting, Executive Deputy Dean of IESD and Deputy Dean of College of Environmental Science and Engineering reported on Global Challenge and South-South Cooperation. Dr. Wang Xin, Vice Dean of IESD delivered a keynote speech on ‘Globalization, Global Cities Competitiveness and Sustainable Urbanization’.  Mr. Kevin L. Erwin, Studio Erwin of Ecological Restoration, made a report on Protection and Restoration of Ecosystem, and Mr. Dragan Cigoja, Advisor, Office of State Secretary in Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Republic of Serbia delivered a lecture on Sustainable development and eco environmental protection through international cooperation.   

Chairman of College of Environmental Science and Engineering Council, Prof. Liu Jianxiong, Prof. Li Fengting, Prof. Song Yinling and Prof. Zhao Jin from Suzhou University of Science and Technology presented certificate for completion of the seminar for participants.

A participant from Indonesia commented, ‘The series of activities of the seminar have enhanced our understanding of the SDGs and brought into view the achievements in economic development and environmental protection attained by Shanghai. The development of Shanghai is an epitome of China’s advancement. I do wish I could study in China.’

In the coming week, approximately 70 officials from 18 countries (Oman, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Zambia, Dominican Republic, Suriname, Panama, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Grenada, Cuba, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Vanuatu) will conduct keynote speeches, debates and discussions on such issues as sustainable development, ecological environment protection by international cooperation, restoration of ecosystem, renewable energy, and South-South Cooperation. Meanwhile, they will visit the campus of Tongji University, Chongming Ecological Island, Xisha Wetland Park and Shanghai city.