NKUST and THWS Join Forces to Advance Net-Zero Strategies and Shape a Sustainable Future

In support of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transition toward net-zero emissions, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) joined hands with its German partner institution, Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt(THWS), to co-host the 2024 Conference on Shaping Sustainability Transformation and Strategies from December 4 to 6, 2024. The conference not only served as a flagship event of NKUST's inaugural Sustainability Month series but also marked a significant milestone in international collaboration among higher education institutions in addressing global sustainability challenges.

During the conference, witnessed by representatives from THWS and the Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bureau, Former President of NKUST and Chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), signed the University Sustainability Initiative Declaration. Through this commitment, NKUST pledged to integrate sustainability into its medium- and long-term institutional development strategy, continue publishing sustainability reports, strengthen local engagement while expanding international collaboration to enhance social impact, and formulate comprehensive sustainability strategies and action plans based on energy consumption and carbon emissions assessments. The University also reaffirmed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2048, contributing to broader societal progress toward sustainable development.

Former president Ching-Yu Yang emphasized that, as global attention to sustainable development continues to grow, achieving long-term Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals requires close collaboration among industry, government, academia, and research institutions. The conference featured a diverse range of activities, including bilingual board game experiences, roundtable discussions, ESG keynote speeches, academic paper presentations, and sustainability-themed hands-on workshops. These interactive programs not only provided comprehensive discussions on sustainability issues but also fostered creative dialogue, interdisciplinary exchange, and practical engagement to promote sustainable thinking and action.

The ESG keynote sessions explored sustainability challenges and strategies from the perspectives of environment, society, and governance.

Professor Ulrich Müller-Steinfahrt of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt delivered a keynote entitled "Shaping Sustainability in European Industry," introducing innovative approaches and practical experiences in advancing sustainability within European industrial and business frameworks while offering valuable international perspectives.

Chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, presented "The Development of ESG in Taiwan's Social Dimension," examining Taiwan's practical experiences and challenges in promoting ESG initiatives and highlighting the critical importance of social responsibility.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General of the Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bureau delivered a keynote titled "Governance Strategies and Practical Actions toward a Net-Zero Sustainable City," sharing Kaohsiung City's governance strategies and implementation plans for sustainable urban development while providing valuable insights into municipal governance and carbon neutrality initiatives.

Through the 2024 Conference on Shaping Sustainability Transformation and Strategies, NKUST not only strengthened its partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt but also fostered deeper engagement between domestic and international academic and professional communities, creating new opportunities for future collaboration and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development. Recognizing the vital role of universities in advancing sustainability, NKUST will continue to translate global sustainability goals into concrete actions and work toward building a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for generations to come.