On 4-8 November 2024, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University joined the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), the largest UN forum for sustainable development. It was held in Cairo, Egypt with a record-breaking attendance of over 25,000 participants from 182 countries.
By participating in the Urban Expo of World Urban Forum, XJTLU Design School showcased the commitment to sustainable development in China and across the globe. We highlighted our dedication to sustainable urbanisation education and forged valuable partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
The XJTLU booth, titled “Act Globally & Act Locally Together”, held a series of showcasing events, consultation sessions for prospective students, and partnership meetings, which attracted about 250 attendants from more than 30 countries, including students, private sectors, academics, municipal governments, United Nations, and intergovernmental organisations.
Dr Sophie Sturup from UPD engaged students from several countries who are interested in our UG and PG programs
Dr Juhyun Lee, Assistant Professor from XJTLU’s Department of Urban Planning and Design, says that by participating in the Urban Expo, XJTLU engaged in discussions on a bunch of global collaboration opportunities with universities, organisations, industry, and municipal government.
“We engaged in discussions on numerous opportunities for pedagogic collaboration and consultancy projects with prestigious universities and international organisations focused on innovative learning and teaching including TU Berlin, University of Lima, Erasmus University Rotterdam, UN-Habitat, and UNDP. Moreover, we discussed consultancy opportunities for curriculum development for universities interested in Syntegrative Education.
Associate Professor Vicente Esteban from IND showcased XJTLU sustainable furniture, facilitating interactive workshops with participants
“We explored potential research collaboration opportunities with industry and municipal governments. Conversations included potentials for support for reviewing and improving their strategic plans, especially around industrial parks in Africa including Malawi; interest in exploring the development of the waterless toilet designed by our industrial design department from Nigeria; potential staff training for public administrators in Egypt; and requests for collaboration on research grant proposals on smart cities planning for disaster management in South America.
Discussion with Elsewedy University of Technology on consultancy projects
Dr Juhyun Lee and the Mayor of Suwon, Korea, discussing a research project among Suwon city, XJTLU, UN-Habitat
“In addition, we launched the UN-Habitat Report on Smart Inclusive Transitions for Equitable Urban Futures, which sparked further discussion on potential projects focusing on cases in Asia and Africa,” she says.
Launch of the UN report “Monitoring Smart Inclusive Transition for an Equitable Urban Futures”
The participation also provided direct exposure to XJTLU Design School’s unique approach to sustainable education and practice.
“We received over a hundred inquiries from prospective students and their families across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, with particular interest in how Chinese cities are addressing the challenges of sustainable urban management,” Dr Lee adds.
Urban planner who explored PhD opportunities at XJTLU
XJTLU Design School is committed to pursuing “Act and Think Globally”, as a pioneer in sustainable development in China and beyond. In engaging powerfully with World Urban Forum, the School has positioned itself as a leader in the field.
Story and images provided by
Dr Juhyun Lee and Dr Sophie Sturup
Edited by Yi Qian
Social Media Editor: Yi Qian
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