USJ’s SDG Week Unites Students, Faculty and Community Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals
USJ's SDG Week Unites Students, Faculty and Community Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals
19
Nov
19/11/2024
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) recently concluded its three-day SDG Week from November 13 to 15, celebrating its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) recently concluded its three-day SDG Week from November 13 to 15, celebrating its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event showcased USJ’s mission as a Catholic university dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility, deeply influenced by the principles outlined in the encyclical of Pope Francis Laudato Si, which focuses on the care for the natural environment and all people.
The event commenced with a great turnout at the opening ceremony, featuring a welcome address by the vice-rector Prof. Álvaro Barbosa. He emphasised USJ’s steadfast dedication to embedding the SDGs into its academic and community initiatives, emphasising their alignment with the university’s Catholic values and mission.
The opening ceremony featured inspiring talks from several experts. Serge Stinckwich from UNU Macao discussed how artificial intelligence can support sustainable development, Stephanie Zhao from Sands China shared insights on integrating SDGs into corporate ESG strategies, and Ruby O from the Society of Food and Environmental Health Macao spoke about the connections between food systems and the SDGs. Lastly, Prof. Helen Liu from the USJ Faculty of Health Sciences presented the university’s Prison Outreach Programme and its alignment with SDGs, illustrating how education can drive social change. The evening concluding with discussions, moderated by Prof. Ansoumane Douty Diakité, followed by a networking session.
Engaging Activities and Workshops
The second day of SDG Week included interactive booths and workshops designed to educate and engage participants. The USJ Green Club and the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) set up a booth featuring the Eco-Emergency Challenge game available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, promoting environmental awareness.
Faculty and staff also took part in a workshop focused on the SDGs and USJ’s performance in Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Led by experts Prof. Karen Tagulao, Prof. Filipa Martins, and Prof. Maria Rita Silva, the workshop encouraged collaboration and brainstorming to develop effective sustainability strategies for the university.
Student-Led Initiatives and Eco Tour
The final day of USJ SDG Week was marked by student-led activities and a guided Eco Tour to Macao’s Ecozones. The interactive booths continued to engage participants in the Eco-Emergency Challenge, promoting sustainable practices within the university community.
The Eco Tour provided a firsthand look at Macao’s unique ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity. Participants were thrilled to spot Black-faced Spoonbills, an endangered migratory species, deepening their understanding of ecological preservation.
The week culminated in a public lecture by Dr. Marissa Chantamas, Dean of the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts in Thailand. Her presentation, “Winning for All – From Award Shows to Achieving SDGs,” explored the intersection of creativity, communication, and sustainability, using notable case studies to illustrate impactful strategies.
USJ Macao and its Commitment to Sustainability
The USJ SDG Week was a remarkable success in uniting students, faculty, and community partners in a collaborative exploration of sustainability. Through talks, interactive workshops, and student-led initiatives, the event reinforced USJ’s role in promoting the SDGs in Macao and beyond. As the university continues its commitment to sustainability, it aims to foster innovation and collaboration for a better future.
