On the afternoon of March 20, 2024, Linda Wong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), visited the BNBU campus at the invitation of the university. Under the theme "Global Environmental Governance and the Role of Youth," she engaged in in-depth discussions with students from the Globalisation and Development (GAD) Programme through two activities: an interactive “Casual Talk” session and a specialized lecture. The Casual Talk session was co-hosted by the GAD student association and featured case studies of students participating in international affairs, sparking active and lively discussions.

Casual Talk: From a Global Perspective to Everyday Action

The event began with a relaxed and open dialogue between Linda Wong and the students. Drawing on her extensive experience in promoting green development and her practical involvement in international environmental governance, she analyzed the urgency of global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss while introducing cutting-edge environmental issues.

Whilst addressing questions about sustainable development projects raised by the students, Linda shared real-life examples and encouraged the students to "drive systemic change through small actions." The session saw frequent and enthusiastic engagement, with students taking the initiative to ask questions about green technology, career paths, and more. Linda in turn responded to each query and provided professional advice to those aspiring to contribute to the field of environmental protection.

Linda is in conversation with GAD students.

Lecture Spotlight: How Youth Can Reshape the Landscape of Environmental Governance

In the subsequent lecture, Linda Wong delivered a talk titled "Global Environmental Governance Amid Interwoven Crises and the Role of Youth ". Using the latest data and case studies, she outlined the challenges and opportunities for China's environmental efforts in global governance.

By presenting examples such as DDT misuse and the important marine mammal areas(IMMAS), she demonstrated the profound impact of green development on the global economy and society. She emphasized that youth are not only building our futures but are also the current drivers of change.

Linda conducts a special lecture.

Student Practices: Amplifying the Voices of Chinese Youth from Campus to the International Stage

One of the highlights of the event was the sharing session led by two senior GAD students, Zhang Jing and Zhang Xiaowei. They recounted their experience in November 2024 when, with CBCGDF's recommendation, they attended the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, South Korea, as youth representatives of China.

During the summit, they presented their research findings on plastic pollution management and engaged in discussions with government representatives and experts from various countries. This experience allowed them to gain advanced governance insight as well as place an emphasis on the influence of Chinese youth in global environmental discourse.

GAD senior students Zhang Jing and Zhang Xiaowei share their experiences attending the INC-5 conference.

Closing: Sowing Green Seeds and Cultivating the Future

As the event concluded, Linda Wong called on students to become "green sparks" capable of breaking through barriers in academic research, policy advocacy, and technological innovation. Her message resonated with the GAD program’s mission of nurturing outstanding future leaders. The GAD program also reaffirmed its commitment to creating collaborative platforms with NGOs and international organizations in the future.

About the Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF)

As a leading environmental NGO in China, CBCGDF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation and green development practices. It promotes global environmental governance through policy research, public advocacy, and international cooperation. The foundation has consistently recommended youth representatives to participate in the international policymaking process/ conferences, such as the UN Climate Change Conference and the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

                                                                                                                                                Content：Ms. Aileen Chen

                                                                                                                                                                       Editor:   Ms. Aileen Chen