During the “2023 Taiwan-UK Sustainable Development Forum” held at Birkbeck, University of London in September, Professor Huey-Jen Jenny Su, former president of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) at Taiwan, emphasized the importance of higher education in fostering sustainable talent to tackle global issues like climate change. Su played a significant role in promoting SDGs during her tenure and was also a founder of SDGs Index Taiwan.
In an interview with “The Icons,” Su discussed the significance of higher education in sustainable development, how to tackle global sustainability challenges, and the qualities future generations of citizens should possess.
The Importance of Higher Education in Practicing SDGs
Addressing SDGs, Su emphasized the need for practical solutions: “It’s not just about believing in renewable energy anymore, it’s about providing affordable solutions that cater to different income levels. The ability to afford renewable energy varies greatly between someone earning 2 million a year and someone earning 20 thousands a year.”
Su cited examples of universities taking significant steps, “such as NCKU committing to 99% renewable energy usage. This decision stands in stark contrast to the choices made by elementary schools or kindergartens, where the impact of adopting renewable energy or not is vastly different. Universities, given their superior resources, exert substantial direct and indirect influence. This principle applies to higher education institutions worldwide.”
In addition, she mentioned universities such as UC Berkeley, which has announced its plan to achieve net-zero by 2050, Stanford University has also implemented new measures to attain SDGs, and UBC (University of British Columbia) made the decision several years ago to halt the construction of new buildings altogether, focusing solely on renovating existing structures.
Su believes that universities can make a significant impact through initiatives like “Fossil Free”, and revising graduation standards to better prepare students for future needs. “Universities have various avenues for improvement.”
Universities Should Making Difficult Choices
Su emphasized the challenges universities face in making impactful decisions: “Universities must make painful choices in resource allocation and curriculum adjustments. It’s about enduring criticism, facing impatience, and sometimes not receiving immediate applause. We always say ‘Lead by example’ that means universities must endure these challenges, then we see example.”
“Higher education institutions need solutions to achieve SDGs”. Su then shifted the focus to the areas where Asian universities need improvement:
“For a considerable period, universities have been treated very well, whether in terms of respect or tolerance. They have been protected, yet not held directly accountable. I have always believed that universities, while aspiring for academic independence, should also subject themselves to high standards of self-examination. This self-reflection is essential for universities to confidently advocate for academic independence,” Su stated.
“However, this does not mean universities should hastily rush into action. Instead, they must approach the crises we face with seriousness and engage in continuous self-reflection.”
Understanding SDGs Through a Global Perspective
“Understanding today’s global challenges requires a perspective that transcends national and regional boundaries,” Su emphasized.
In the face of global crises such as climate change, “we must adopt a global mindset. We need to comprehend the choices and limitations each region faces and understand that everyone operates within finite resources, forcing us to make constrained decisions. With a deeper understanding of each other’s constraints, we can appreciate the reasons for gradual progress. it’s about understanding our shared limitations. This understanding allows us to move forward together instead of hindering one another.”
Su used the metaphor of Tango to illustrate her point: “Progress resembles Tango. One step back for me might mean one step forward for you. If I insist on moving too quickly and you can’t keep up, the dance will inevitably falter and fall. I have always felt that my ability to promote numerous SDGs initiatives at NCKU is due to my background enabling me to understand various needs and establish a comprehensive system.”
Su believes that people with more resources should assist those with fewer resources, “for example, even if everyone uses renewable energy now, the fact remains that over 1 billion people in India cannot. Can we still combat global warming? This logic applies everywhere. Bill Gates, for instance, ventures into areas where change seems impossible, using his intellect and resources to find solutions that are suitable for the areas.”
Su also shared her experience of attending the STS (Science and Technology in Society) forum in Japan in October. In one of the forums with the theme “Adaptation to Climate Change,” she mentioned Taiwan from 2002 to mitigate climate change and support sustainable development, including the 2015 《Greenhouse Reduction and Management Act》, and the 2023 《Climate Change Response Act》 that addresses adaptation and implementation of climate resilient infrastructure in collaboration with individuals, corporations, and NGOs while including and educating indigenous and vulnerable populations.
Before the forum, Su also participated in a seminar organized by Elsevier Japan on the topic of “Navigating the Path of Socially-Conscious Partnerships Among Government, Industry, and University.” She elaborated on the need for a global perspective and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance SDGs.
Citizens Have Right and Responsibility to Participate in SDGs
SDGs require collective efforts from all of humanity to be achieved. Photo by: SDGs Index Taiwan
Su emphasized that every decision we make affects others and the future. “We must recognize that we are mere transient passengers in this journey. During our phase, we should focus not just on the present but also on a broader span of time and space.” More high-quality citizens are those who can place themselves along a longer timeline and in a broader geographical world while contemplating.
Su then shared her experience from this summer, where she worked with students: “Their concern about climate change extended from class assignments to connecting with students overseas through social media.” This phenomenon is prevalent worldwide. “For example, a teenage girl from Sweden has become a global figure simply by genuinely caring about climate change. Even though she lacks definitive answers, she has the right to urge everyone to find solutions. This reflects that individuals of different ages, statuses, abilities, and educational backgrounds are all qualified, have the right, and bear the responsibility to participate.”
She believes that the ultimate goal of exploration is to find viable solutions. “We must understand the challenges involved in this arduous endeavor. It requires going through the Tango-like process. Solutions only emerge after this intricate dance. Being able to accompany students, making them feel more capable of achieving something significant, is the most rewarding aspect of my work,” Su said with satisfaction.
Professor Huey-Jen Jenny Su: The Only Way to be Understood is to Understanding Others
In order to face the challenges of the future, Su emphasizes that every individual must become a global citizen. “I believe the more critical question is defining what kind of abilities and perspectives global citizens should possess. It’s not just about having the capability to shoulder responsibilities; one must also possess humanistic qualities and social empathy. This way, while assuming leadership roles and thinking of innovative solutions, they can be fully trusted and supported.”
Su envisions a global citizen who respects differences, embraces diversity, and understands the limitations of others. She believes understanding which solutions align best with humanity is crucial. People will anticipate and rely on those who exhibit such qualities.
“Only those who are spiritually free, courageous and tolerant in attitude, possess a global perspective, and exhibit responsible behavior can earn trust and support after all tests,” Su expresses.
She asserts that one’s perspective and attitude determine the scope within which their abilities can shine. Moreover, above competence, only global citizens who comprehend and embrace others fully can muster the courage to share and progress together with others.
“The only way to be understood is to understand others.”
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