LNU and Its Collaboration with UNESCO Earth Charter International

Liaoning University (LNU) attaches great importance to the concepts of sustainable development, green development and the educational models of sustainable development. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2022, the Education Conference on Sustainable Development of the Earth Charter was held in San Jose, Costa Rica with the presence of experts and scholars from all over the world. As the only invited Chinese University, LNU sent a delegation of faculty members to attend the conference online and offline. Professor Yu Miaojie, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of LNU, delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Exploring the Cooperation Models between the Earth Charter and Chinese Universities’ visually, which kicked off the friendly cooperation between LNU and UNESCO Earth Charter International (ECI).

In December 2022, to further explore the education models of sustainable development, improve teachers’ and students’ awareness of global interdependence and the common sense of responsibility for the well-being of the human beings, LNU organized and supported the first batch of 53 faculty members to participate in the ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ training course for teachers’ career development launched by UNESCO ECI.

Meanwhile, in January, 2023, LNU organized the first batch of over 300 students to participate in the youth leadership training program ‘Leadership, Sustainability & Ethics’, aiming at promoting the environmental protection and development of the Earth Charter and improving their knowledge, skills, leadership, insights and sense of responsibility.

The plaque-unveiling ceremony for the Earth Charter Education Center at LNU

The launching ceremony for the Earth Charter education related activities at LNU

Under the guidance of UNESCO ECI and the joint efforts of the faculty and students of LNU, the Earth Charter Education Center of LNU was officially established on August 24, 2023. Up to now, LNU has successfully organized more than 500 faculty members and students to participate in ECI’s teacher career development training program and LES youth leadership training program, which was highly praised by the teachers and students.

In 2024, LNU invited Mr. Robert Parua from Beijing Office of UNESCO to give a lecture titled ‘Career Development in the United Nations’. At the same time, Liaoning University also sent teacher representatives to the United States to attend the Earth Charter Conference and deliver keynote speeches. At present, Marxist College has incorporated ecological civilization into its curriculum system for undergraduate and graduate students and encouraged them to practice the concept of sustainable development through diversified activities.

Looking forward, LNU will continue to improve the operation of the Earth Charter programs, enhance the cooperation with UNESCO and apply to become a UNESCO chair unit to jointly explore the best practice of educational innovation and global sustainable development.