"From University to Infinity - Sustainable Practices in NDHU" Forum and Market, organized by National Dong Hwa University（NDHU）, co-organized by Leadership Management, Ltd., and executed by Asiaroyal Ltd., concluded successfully on November 18, 2023, at Taipei Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. This forum invited NDHU scholars and experts to share insights from the university's perspective on recent ESG hot topics such as net-zero carbon emissions, carbon sinks, and biodiversity. It also highlighted NDHU's social responsibility projects, tracing historical records, and initiating a spotlight project to reclaim the history of the Takasago（Porter Soldier）since the university's founding. Through this event, NDHU showcased its gradual achievements in sustainability to the public, urging all sectors to recognize the importance of sustainability.

NDHU, deeply rooted in Hualien with a focus on teaching and research, actively engages in community education and assists tribes in applying renewable energy. The university's sustainable actions and impact have garnered recognition. Vice President Hui-Mi Hsu introduced NDHU's sustainability achievements and vision, emphasizing the detailed formulation of short-, medium-, and long-term carbon neutrality goals. The 2022 Sustainability Report received a Gold Level in the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards（TCSA）for both the sustainability report and overall sustainability excellent performance.

NDHU has successfully integrated Sustainable Development Goals（SDGs）into our daily lives, making sustainability a part of our routine. Our university's strength lies in easily rallying sustainable ideas, and turning them from education into practice. Over time, sustainability actions at NDHU have become routine, including initiatives like avoiding single-use containers and utensils, proper waste sorting, and secondary processing of recycled resources.

The special lectures featured Associate Professor Yi-Ju Yang from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, who discussed biodiversity in Hualien and at NDHU, highlighting concerns such as roadkill and invasive species. Distinguished Professor Hurng-Jyuhn Wang from the Department of Public Administration talked about the collection and prospects of the Takasago（Porter Soldier）historical records, emphasizing respect for life and culture and hoping to restore historical facts from different perspectives, integrating two sets of histories into a common memory for the people of Taiwan.

Professor Yu-Chun Ku, Director of the Center for Social Participation, elaborated on how NDHU has coexisted with the local community since settling in Hualien and the transformation accompanying the University Social Responsibility（USR）project. She emphasized the key to mutual well-being lies in the ability to empathize, view oneself as a good neighbor, and learn from each other in the long term.

The panel discussion focused on carbon issues, with CEO Edison Wang from Leadership Management Ltd., Consulting serving as the introducer and moderator. Professor Tony Chieh-Tse Hou from the Department of Finance discussed how to practice carbon reduction in daily life, followed by Professor Shih-Chieh Chang from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, who explained the connection and current situation of carbon rights and forest carbon sinks. The discussion further explored the challenges Taiwan may face in the era of carbon pricing, and attendees actively exchanged thoughts on topics such as photovoltaic development and how consumers can identify greenwashing by businesses.

NDHU's sustainability consciousness permeated the market activities, bringing together 20 partners from Hualien and environmentally friendly brands. The event encouraged attendees to use reusable containers for vegetarian snacks, providing working partners with vegetarian lunches in iron boxes. Participants were also encouraged to bring their eco-friendly bags and utensils, minimizing the waste generated during the event.

By organizing an intellectual sustainability forum and market, NDHU aimed to enhance public awareness of sustainability, ESG, and renewable energy-related issues. Vice President Hui-Mi Hsu also called on the business sector to collaborate with universities to promote sustainable development and respond to SDGs. He suggested that through industry-academia collaboration, bridging academia and practice, talent cultivation could be achieved. He also recommended that business groups and large enterprises establish sustainability-related awards and funds to encourage participation and provide scholarships to support academic development, stimulating diverse possibilities for collaboration.

For more information on NDHU's sustainable achievements, please visit ➜〈The Sustainability Development〉 website.