By Qian Ding, CCTV.com reporter
The 2017 Yenching Social Innovation Forum was held in Peking University on December 8-11. This year's forum focused on a topic of global importance: Developing dynamic solutions for a sustainable future. Delegates from more than 20 countries had participated and introduced a wide array of experiences and perspectives. By hosting the global forum, the Yenching Academy hopes to inspire a future generation of change-makers who understand the unique challenges and benefits that China can bring to the table.
(A group photo of delegates attending the forum. Photo/ Qian Ding)
Dr. David Moser, Associate Dean of Yenching Academy, delivered the opening remarks and Dr. Daniel Kammen, Distinguished Professor of Energy, University of California, Berkeley; Director, Renewable& Appropriate Energy Laboratory presented the keynote speech. Afterwards, different panel sessions and interactive workshops were held in different classrooms, where delegates can choose to attend panels and workshops that cater to their interests and expertise.
(Dr. Daniel Kammen giving a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Photo/ Qian Ding）
Sustainable development and climate action are wide-ranging sectors with global relevance. The 2017 Yenching Social Innovation Forum has outlined four areas of focus, "Citizens Science for Sustainability," "Green Finance and Technology," "Sustainable Business and Corporate Environmental Responsibility" and "Climate Governance and Policy."
(Panel on climate governance and policy held during the forum. Photo/ Qian Ding)
Citizen science is an emerging field that expands our understanding of the world around us and empowers people to join the fight for a more sustainable future everyday. Green finance and technology has received greater attention, since eco-friendly technologies are fundamentally transforming global climate action. Research and development spending on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other innovations has been increasing in dozens of countries, especially in China.
Besides technology, businesses can become major players in the fight against climate change through more responsible production, consumption, investment and management. Another important role in protecting the environment and mitigating climate change is local, regional, and national governments. The 2015 Paris Agreement, the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), COP23, and other multilateral actions have set environmental standards and built the frameworks within which NGOs (non-government organizations), business, and citizens operate.
Yenching Academy is a postgraduate college of Peking University, located in China's capital, Beijing. It hosts the Yenching Program, a highly selective, fully funded global fellowship program, designed to "cultivate leaders who will advocate for global progress and cultural understanding."
(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)
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