WESF plays a role in promoting standardization and eliminating global trade barriers.
From 20 to 26 October 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a mission to China, during which I took part in key events for the future of global sustainability and carbon neutrality. This trip included attending international conferences, meeting with academics and professionals in the field, as well as important discussions on future collaborations between WFEO and Chinese institutions.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. LING Wen, Chair of the WFEO Committee on Engineering and the Environment (WFEO-CEE), for his warm invitation and his crucial role in organizing such meaningful events to promote sustainable engineering and carbon neutrality.
During this mission, the primary objectives were:
1. To attend the international conference “Zero-Carbon China – International High-Level Conference on Carbon Neutrality for Cities and Communities” organized by the Shenyang Jianzhu University, where I had the honor of presenting the role of WFEO in promoting global policies for sustainability and carbon neutrality in cities and communities.
2. To deliver a lecture at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, addressed to PhD students in International Environmental Engineering, focusing on the global challenges related to sustainability and climate change.
The conference, organized by the Shenyang Jianzhu University, discussed innovative technological and policy solutions for achieving carbon neutrality. During the opening ceremony, I had the honor of participating as Executive-Vice President of WFEO and as a speaker, emphasizing the crucial role of engineering in global sustainability and the need for strong international cooperation.
Advanced technological solutions for reducing carbon emissions, with a focus on smart infrastructure and renewable energy.
International cooperation initiatives to facilitate the transition to sustainability, creating a global network for sharing best practices.
The importance of WFEO as a leader in defining global sustainable policies and promoting collaboration among members to tackle climate challenges.
Another key moment was the lecture delivered to PhD students in International Environmental Engineering at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of the leading institutions in sustainability research. We discussed global challenges related to carbon neutrality and the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations Decade for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (2024-2034), and how engineers can play a leading role in driving change.
Best practices in engineering for the design of smart and sustainable cities.
The role of environmental engineers in reducing carbon emissions.
Potential future collaborations between WFEO and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, with a focus on sustainable research.
WFEO-CEE played a crucial role in organizing events such as “Zero-Carbon China” where global experts discussed solutions for achieving carbon neutrality. WFEO’s participation further reinforced our commitment to promoting sustainable engineering worldwide.
WFEO-CEE is increasingly taking a leadership role in addressing the challenges of climate change and fostering global dialogue on concrete solutions for a more sustainable future.
During the mission, I had the privilege of meeting Prof. Yong Geng, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), home to the WFEO-CEE Secretariat. This meeting created opportunities for future collaborations, with a particular focus on joint research projects and international academic exchanges.
Additionally, during the conference, a strong desire emerged from engineering students to establish a dialogue with institutions to support research activities on sustainability and climate change. The students expressed their eagerness to actively contribute to the formulation of innovative solutions, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration between the academic community and international institutions.
Following these discussions, we are initiating a formal proposal to allow WFEO to welcome proposals from engineering students on these issues, integrating their contributions into the global policies promoted by the organization. WFEO-CEE will play a central role in facilitating this process, supporting the students’ research and ensuring that their ideas are integrated into international sustainability initiatives.
This mission has opened new opportunities for collaboration with Chinese institutions, strengthening our commitment to promoting global policies for a more sustainable future. Sustainable engineering plays a key role in achieving carbon neutrality, and our international commitment is stronger than ever.