Working in partnership to address SDGs: From research to student learning

Experts from CUHK, Exeter, UBC and UQ share insights on strengthening global partnerships to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes.

How can global partnerships move beyond declarations of intent to deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes? Prof. Amos Tai, Associate Director of the CUHK Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, emphasised the vital link between research collaboration and talent cultivation at a panel chaired by Mr. Brett Lovegrove, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) at the University of Queensland (UQ). The panel of experts explored different collaboration models that advance the Sustainable Development Goals and advocated that partnerships are most effective when research and education are developed in tandem. Structured mechanisms such as joint research centres, seed funding, and split-site PhD training can build momentum, establish stronger networks, and produce tangible outputs that attract external grants. Prof. Tai highlighted the CUHK-Exeter Joint Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (ENSURE) as a platform that drives collaborative projects in areas such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity, while nurturing young researchers to lead impactful studies. Other members of the panel included Ms. Cheryl Dumaresq, Executive Director of Global Engagement at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Mr. Liam Roberts, Regional Head for China in the Global Partnership Office at the University of Exeter (Exeter).

The panel underscored the commitment of universities to fostering global citizenship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact.

Prof. Amos Tai highlights ENSURE as a model that fosters research collaboration while nurturing the next generation of sustainability leaders.