This past summer was memorable for Nguyen Bao Chan, a senior from the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Hanoi, Viet Nam. She spent her summer participating in a program in Wuhan, Hubei Province, focusing on sustainable development and global youth communication.

Launched by Wuhan University, one of China's most esteemed higher learning institutions, the 2024 Luojia Global Summer School presented 11 innovative course modules to over 220 participants from more than 30 countries and regions. Through a combination of academic courses, group discussions and immersive field visits, the summer school established a dynamic international platform for exploring sustainable development from diverse angles. Participants not only gained academic insights but also an understanding of China's approach to sustainability, cultivating a generation of youth ready to champion sustainable practices globally.

"This educational journey allowed me to experience and learn things that textbooks simply can't offer. The invaluable lessons I gained from engaging with the local community, connecting with international friends, touring factories, and collaborating in real-world scenarios have been instrumental to my personal and professional growth," Nguyen told Beijing Review.

Sustainable efforts

Nguyen first visited China in 2011 with her family. During that initial trip, the family traveled to Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The city showed striking difference from the China she has envisioned. "Even 13 years ago, Nanning was rapidly developing, with high-rise buildings, vibrant shopping areas, and efficient transportation," she said. Upon returning to Nanning this year, she found herself even more impressed by the city's advancements, especially in seamlessly integrating digital technology into urban planning and daily life.

"China is now recognized as one of the leading developed countries in Asia. Participating in this program allows me to experience new aspects of China, including its sustainable development, smart payments, and encryption applications," she said.

Nguyen was particularly impressed with the ecological protection efforts in the areas around the Yangtze River. Stretching 6,300 km, the Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world, earning it the title of the nation's River of Life. The river flows through several major cities, including Wuhan.

Both central and local governments have placed great importance on the conservation of the Yangtze. To restore biodiversity along the river, China imposed a full fishing ban in 332 conservation areas within the Yangtze River basin in January 2020. This initiative was later expanded to include a 10-year fishing moratorium along the river's main streams and major tributaries, effective as of January 1, 2021.

According to an official from the National Development and Reform Commission, in 2023, the water quality in 95.6 percent of sections of the Yangtze River Economic Belt was rated above Grade III, the third level in the country's five-tier water quality system—an increase of 1.1 percentage points year on year.

Through visits to Yangtze protection agencies and the river itself, as well as lectures on river and lake conservation, Nguyen learned about the "river chief" system. Under the system established nationwide in 2018, local officials are appointed as river chiefs, responsible for resource protection, pollution prevention and control, and ecological restoration. They are held accountable for any environmental damage to the water bodies under their supervision, and their achievements in river management are reflected in their overall performance evaluations.

"Sustainable development encompasses a variety of aspects, including economics, politics, and society. However, at its core, it is fundamentally about people. People should be the center and focus, while also living in harmony with nature," Nguyen said, adding that she hopes China and Viet Nam will further strengthen cooperation in green technologies, environmental management and renewable energy.

Aaron Kyle Schrag-Toso from the University of Arizona, the U.S., was also impressed by conservation along the Yangtze and the country's ecological protection. "China is in a lot of ways pioneering and taking notable actions, like the fishing ban. They seem to be considering all the variables and taking a very holistic approach to the issue," he said during the summer school. "A main takeaway is a mindset change—thinking about how you can turn challenges into opportunities and seeking mutual benefits."

During a lecture on the protection of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, which is home to several endangered species, he learned from Yi Qing, Deputy Secretary General of the Poyang Lake Ecological Conservation Foundation of Jiangxi Province, about the conservation measures in place that protect both the endangered white cranes and local farmers' interests. Local residents around the lake are actively involved in ecotourism, becoming ambassadors for their environment. "Getting them excited about this is crucial. These initiatives are truly inspiring," Schrag-Toso added.

"Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just a slogan; they require action," said Ji Li, head of the program and a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Wuhan University. "I hope the summer school will empower youth to take the lead on SDGs. By enlightening them with innovative ideas and providing essential skills, we can help them become future leaders. Additionally, we aim to build a collaborative network that supports young innovators as they develop solutions."

Youth communication

In addition to getting a deeper understanding of sustainable development in China, the summer school served as a platform of cross-cultural communication for participants. Taking lectures, engaging in heated discussions, working on projects together, and going on field trips gave them opportunities for in-depth exchange and brainstorming.

"Teaming up and working with international students in this program was an enriching experience. It provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, bringing together a variety of perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This cross-cultural interaction fostered a deeper understanding of global issues and enhanced our ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment," Nguyen said.

Yu Xinyuan, a junior from Wuhan University, agreed. "The process of cross-cultural communication is fascinating. Even though we have our differences, our shared focus on sustainable development makes it easy to reach consensus and collaborate joyfully for mutual benefit," she said.

Yu added that youth from around the world are exploring new models, technologies and methods for sustainable development. "They actively participate in sustainable development projects and practices, such as environmental volunteer activities and green entrepreneurship, driving the achievement of sustainable development goals through their actions," she said.

"Our discussions made me realize more than ever that ecological challenges are not just the concern of one country or region; they require global cooperation and collective efforts to address," Liang Tong, Yu's schoolmate, told Beijing Review.

"Bringing creativity and energy to the table, young people play a crucial role in cross-cultural communication. As an active presence in today's digital landscape, we can effectively share stories about sustainable development. By sharing our experiences and insights on social media platforms like TikTok, we foster two-way communication and raise awareness," Yu concluded.

(Print edition title: Exchanges for a Change)

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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