Established in 2002, IESD has grown into a hub of sustainability education and research, with its reach extending well beyond China. Since 2006, the IESD has had the International Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programme in Environment Management, welcoming over 859 students from more than 117 countries, and the university has offered specialised postgraduate minor degree programs attracting over 3000 students. Beyond degree programs, what impressed me most was the breadth of engagement: a university-wide module ‘Sustainable Development and the Future’ has reached over 4,000 students since 2011. This demonstrates not just institutional commitment but also the way sustainability is embraced across disciplines.
The institute also leads several flagship initiatives that showcase its global leadership in sustainability. Since its launch in 2011, the International Student Conference on Environment & Sustainability (ISCES) has become a renowned annual event that engages students worldwide, and it has become one of the most significant student events on World Environment Day each year. The 2025 ISCES conference, which focused on microplastics and attracted tens of thousands of online participants, was judged by UN and industry experts. Equally inspiring is the Global Environment Course - developed in partnership with UNEP and led by Professor Wang Ying - which offers students a unique blend of scientific knowledge and policy understanding. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Program provides short-term training for future sustainability leaders across the region, reflecting Tongji’s commitment to nurturing talent for the global environmental agenda.
During my visit, I had the chance to discuss these initiatives in more detail with Mr Lü. I was particularly interested in the university-wide module in sustainability, and we explored how King’s and Tongji might work together to extend sustainability thinking into other areas of the curriculum - including language education, where there is much potential to connect global challenges with intercultural learning. I was also excited by the prospect of introducing King’s students to ISCES and encouraging their participation in the future.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities of faculty exchanges, events and the development of some online resources. My visit left me feeling both impressed by what Tongji has achieved and energised about the many opportunities to work together in shaping a more sustainable future.