Transnational Sustainability Forum Opens New Global Learning Platform
NTNU launched the “2026 NTNU × Glasgow × Kyushu Winter Institute on Sustainability” in January, establishing a new cross-national platform for sustainability education during the university’s 65-day winter break. The program and its accompanying “2026 Transnational Forum on Sustainability” brought together more than 300 students and professionals from 15 countries and 13 universities.
President Cheng-Chih Wu stated that the Winter Institute makes strategic use of the extended break to advance three institutional priorities: the Bilingual Benchmark University initiative, internationalization, and University Social Responsibility (USR). He noted that as the world confronts climate change, energy transition, and social resilience challenges, universities have a responsibility to cultivate sustainability-focused talent and strengthen international cooperation.
The January 23 forum was held under the theme “Three Islands, One Shared Vision – Shaping a Sustainable Future Together,” highlighting shared sustainability concerns among Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Japan. President Wu delivered opening remarks, and Dr. Eugene Chien, Chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), gave the keynote address.
Dr. Chien currently serves as an advisor to the National Climate Change Committee of the Office of the President, R.O.C., and previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration. His remarks drew on extensive experience in environmental policy and international climate governance.
The forum also brought together British Council Taiwan Director Susan Milner and ten sustainability scholars from the University of Glasgow and Kyushu University, who joined NTNU faculty and invited experts for panel discussions. Topics included the United Kingdom’s climate legislation and urban sustainability planning, Japan’s approaches to water governance and regional revitalization, and strategies for advancing sustainability education and youth engagement.
The Winter Institute ran from January 20 to 30 and was jointly organized by NTNU, the University of Glasgow, and Kyushu University. All courses were delivered in English and covered AI and sustainability education, climate change, water governance, sustainable design, regional revitalization, and sustainable tourism.
Enrollment was open to students across the Taiwan University System, comprising NTNU, National Taiwan University, and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, as well as students from other institutions and members of the public. Participants who completed the program received two general education credits and a bilingual certificate of completion.
According to the Office of International Affairs, 311 participants registered for the Winter Institute. Students accounted for 232 participants, approximately 75 percent of the total. Among them, 176 were from NTNU, 14 from National Taiwan University, 5 from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and 37 from other universities. The remaining participants included 46 members of the public and 33 NTNU administrative staff.
In terms of nationality, 274 participants were from Taiwan, with additional representation from 17 countries. These included Indonesia (6); Hong Kong and India (4 each); Japan, the United States, and Myanmar (3 each); China, Malaysia, and the Philippines (2 each); and Canada, Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Peru, and Colombia (1 each).
Looking ahead, NTNU will continue to expand international sustainability collaboration. In February 2026, students will participate in exchange programs at Kyushu University, Osaka University, Hokkaido University, and the National University of Singapore. In June, NTNU will co-host a bilingual sustainability summer school with the University of Glasgow. From October to November, NTNU will collaborate with the British Council to convene the annual Taiwan–UK University Consortium conference.
.jpg)