July 17-21, 2025 – Organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) and coordinated by the China Education International Exchange Association, 35 students from Shanghai Zhongshan School Affiliated to Huangpu Institute of Education embarked on an immersive study tour deeply connected to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and cultural preservation.
From intangible cultural heritage revitalization (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities) to marine conservation (SDG 14: Life Below Water), from climate action (SDG 13) to global partnerships (SDG 17), the students explored Hong Kong’s diverse settings, learning through experience and growing through practice.
📚 Embarking on a Journey Toward a Sustainable Future
The opening ceremony featured an inspiring speech by 张沁教授, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association and Director of HiESD. She encouraged students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity while fostering confidence, self-discipline, responsibility, and teamwork.
Ms. 陈思桦, Youth Coordinator of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, introduced the UN’s sustainable development agenda and the impact of green transformation on future education and careers, urging students to observe how the trip’s activities aligned with the three pillars of sustainability: environment, society, and economy.
🐬 Environmental Sustainability – From Oceans to Polar Regions
At Ocean Park Academy, students attended a “Journey to the Polar Regions” conservation workshop. Students also visited the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, gaining insights into how climate change affects ecosystems. Interactive exhibits and expert talks deepened their understanding of polar ecosystem crises and how daily actions can contribute to climate solutions.
🏮 Cultural Sustainability – Heritage & Conservation
Despite weather disruptions, students explored Tai Kwun (Central Police Station heritage site) and Central Market through VR and video-guided tours, discovering innovative heritage revitalization and the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. These digital experiences showcased the possibilities of blending cultural preservation with modern technology.
🏈 Health & Well-being – Sports for Sustainability
Under the guidance of professional coaches, students tried touch rugby, learning that “passing is more important than sprinting”—a lesson in teamwork that embodied SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
🌐 Collaboration for Sustainability – Model UNESCO Conference
On July 19, students joined the “2025 Secondary School Model UNESCO International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Cities,” as observers, learning from international delegates’ innovative ideas, public speaking, and negotiation skills.
The next day, they participated in a Model UNESCO experiential learning session, representing nine different delegations, discussing the theme of smart and sustainable cities. They drafted youth proposals focusing on two aspects: “How to maximize eco-friendly policies within budget constraints” and “How to raise public awareness about sustainable smart city development”.
The five-day journey was enriching and eye-opening, with over 90% of students reporting a deeper understanding of sustainability and cultural preservation, along with new interests and broader perspectives. We look forward to these young innovators becoming active changemakers, working together to shape a more sustainable future.
