On the morning of July 2, Beijing time, the 3rd Youth Forum on Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University's 2021 Global Summer School (GSS2021) was held. Hosted by Tsinghua University Latin America Center, the Forum was titled “Green Construction - China Solution and is it for Latin America?", and was chaired by Chen Taotao, Director of Latin America Center of Tsinghua University. Invited guests included Lin Borong, Associate Dean of the School of Architecture of Tsinghua University, Liu Jing, Deputy General Manager of China Civil Engineering Group Co., Ltd. Colombia branch, and Li Dingze, General Manager of China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd., who shared knowledge on Chinese solutions of green construction and its applicability in Latin America.

Chen Taotao hosting the Forum

Lin Borong provided an overview on the development of China's construction industry and green architecture. He then used detailed cases to describe the efforts and positive contributions made by Tsinghua University in the development of China's green construction industry, and discussed the trends of future technological innovation.

Lin Borong interacting with Forum participants

Liu Jing introduced Colombia's green concepts and development in architectural design, hospitals, schools, and housing construction in recent years through various examples.

Liu Jing speaking during the Forum

Li Dingze outlined the development of green construction in Peru. He pointed out the great demand for green resources in the capital city of Lima, especially in terms of building innovation and new energy efficient materials.

Li Dingze speaking during the Forum

In the Q&A session, students actively asked questions to the invited guests. Questions included: what is the biggest challenge for China in achieving the 2060 carbon neutral goal, what is the role and contribution of green architecture in achieving this goal, can AI technology be applied to the monitoring of housing materials, and what can we do about the existing buildings to help reduce carbon emissions.

2021 Tsinghua Global Summer School

The 2021 Tsinghua Global Summer School (GSS 2021) will be held from June 28 to July 6. Themed Innovation for sustainable development, GSS 2021 is a 9-day program organized collaboratively by 22 Tsinghua academic institutions, including 17 different colleges and departments, 3 overseas institutions, and 2 international associations for higher education initiated by Tsinghua.

GSS 2021 explores Innovation for sustainable development through various topics including economics, innovation, psychology, education, culture, artificial intelligence, and leadership. It integrates academics with innovation and interaction by engaging with students through masterclasses, an SDG Hackathon, forum discussions, virtual visits and cultural events. The SDG Hackathon has been specially added into the program to strengthen the cultivation of students' innovative thinking and incorporate the values of sustainable development.

GSS strives to break through boundaries, technical limitations and different identities to address social issues. It aspires to integrate resources and inspire collaboration inside and outside class, on and off campus, in China and in other countries, and online and offline.