On 3 April 2026, the 1st BNBU-Soka Joint University Forum on Sustainable Development was held at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU). Five award-winning teams from the 1st BNBU Undergraduate Seminar on Sustainability cum Competition, and five representative teams from Soka University of America (SUA) gathered to share their innovative ideas and insights on sustainability pathways from a global perspective.
The Forum opened with remarks from Prof Zhou Yongming, Vice President (Academic) and Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at BNBU, and Prof Hwang Dongyoun of Asian Studies from SUA. Both speakers highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing pressing global issues and expressed hope for continued partnership between the two institutions.
BNBU's Vice President (Academic) and Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Prof Zhou Yongming
Prof Hwang Dongyoun of Asian Studies from SUA
On the forum, scholars and student teams delivered presentations and engaged in discussions throughout the day, showcasing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. Topics included wetland conservation, flood control, circular food systems, sustainable fashion, and green materials. The presentations reflected strong student-faculty collaboration and a global perspective on sustainable development.
Director of BNBU's International Development Office Dr Darren Weng
Associate Head of the Department of Life Sciences Dr Tsim SiuTai
Student representatives share ideas and insights on the forum
The Forum provided a platform for academic exchange and highlighted innovative student-led solutions to real-world challenges. It also strengthened ties between BNBU and SUA, laying the groundwork for future collaboration in sustainability education and research.
The event was hosted by BNBU’s Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) and co-organised by International Development Office, BNBU's Department of Life Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology, and Soka Institute for Global Solutions.
From MPRO
Reporter: Wu Yixuan
Photographer: Season Li, Camelia Deng, Jack Xiao
Editor: Cecilia Yu
