Event Overview and Significance

The 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD13), held from February 24 to 27, 2026, at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, served as a pivotal platform for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the forum's theme, 'Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a sustainable future for all humanity,' underscored the urgent need for collaborative solutions across the region. Chinese universities, spearheaded by Tsinghua University, made a remarkable impact through a dedicated side event and exhibition, highlighting higher education's role in bridging innovation with real-world sustainability challenges.

This gathering brought together policymakers, experts, and youth leaders to address imbalances in regional development, with a particular emphasis on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The participation of Chinese institutions not only showcased cutting-edge research but also reinforced China's commitment to global sustainability, fostering cross-border partnerships essential for academia in the Asia-Pacific.

Tsinghua University Takes Center Stage

Tsinghua University, consistently ranked among the world's top institutions for engineering and technology, led the Chinese delegation as co-organizer of the side event titled 'Innovation-Driven Sustainable Development: Universities and Frontier Technologies for the SDGs.' Deputy Party Secretary Guo Yong emphasized Tsinghua's mission to serve global sustainability, noting that numerous tech achievements have been deployed overseas, benefiting local communities. 'Technological innovation and practical applications are key to overcoming bottlenecks,' Guo stated, highlighting the university's efforts in building an artificial intelligence (AI) education ecosystem and promoting industry-academia-research collaborations.

The event attracted nearly 200 youth representatives and scholars, both online and offline, fostering roundtable discussions on deepening cross-sector and transnational cooperation. Tsinghua's involvement exemplifies how elite Chinese universities are positioning themselves as global leaders in sustainable higher education, inspiring students and researchers to tackle SDGs through interdisciplinary approaches.

Nearly 30 Innovative Projects on Display

From February 24 to 27, an exhibition at the UN Conference Centre featured nearly 30 sustainability-focused innovation projects from Tsinghua University and fellow members of the Asian University Alliance (AUA). These projects spanned digital technologies, clean energy solutions, and smart healthcare, demonstrating practical pathways to SDG achievement. Covering areas like AI-driven diagnostics, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure optimization, the showcase illustrated higher education's transformative potential.

While specific details on all projects remain forthcoming, the breadth reflects collaborative efforts among AUA institutions, which include powerhouses like the National University of Singapore, Tokyo Institute of Technology, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), and the Indian Institute of Technology. This alliance, initiated by Tsinghua in 2020, amplifies Asian academia's voice in global sustainability dialogues.

Spotlight: AI-Empowered Lung Electrical Impedance Tomography

One standout project from Tsinghua's Department of Electronic Engineering was the AI-empowered Lung Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) system, developed by Professor Li Maokun's team. This lightweight, radiation-free device uses electromagnetic computational sensing combined with deep learning algorithms to generate real-time dynamic images of lung ventilation and perfusion. Electrodes placed on the patient enable bedside monitoring without costly shielding rooms or radiation risks associated with CT or MRI scans.

• Real-time detection of perfusion defects, aiding ICU patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
• Deployment in over 100 institutions worldwide, including Beijing Union Hospital and Erasmus Hospital in Brussels.
• Promotion to 16 countries, benefiting thousands in remote or underserved areas.

Aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), the EIT system democratizes access to premium diagnostics, particularly in the Asia-Pacific's rural regions, where travel to advanced facilities poses barriers. Professor Li's innovation redefines respiratory care, showcasing how Chinese higher education is exporting solutions for equitable health outcomes.

Clean Energy Innovations from Collaborative Efforts

Clean energy projects dominated the exhibition, addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Tsinghua and AUA partners presented advancements in photovoltaic materials, hydrogen storage, and smart grids. For instance, initiatives drawing from Tsinghua's carbon neutrality research integrated AI for optimizing renewable integration, reducing Asia-Pacific energy poverty.

These efforts build on China's leadership in solar and wind technologies, with university labs pioneering next-generation batteries and low-carbon infrastructure. Such projects not only advance SDGs but also create opportunities for research jobs in sustainable engineering, attracting global talent to Chinese campuses.

Digital Technologies Reshaping Infrastructure

Digital innovations targeted SDG 9 directly, featuring AI platforms for urban planning, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and IoT for resilient infrastructure. Tsinghua's contributions included AI models for predictive maintenance in smart cities, collaborating with AUA members to simulate disaster-resilient networks amid climate change.

ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Alisjahbana praised these technologies: 'AI and robotics are accelerating applications in climate governance and energy transition, powering Asia-Pacific sustainability.' These tools empower universities to lead digital transformation, preparing students for careers in green tech via programs like those at academic career advice.

The Role of the Asian University Alliance

The AUA, comprising 13 leading Asian universities, amplified the showcase by pooling diverse expertise. Members contributed projects on biodiversity monitoring (SDG 15), water management (SDG 6), and inclusive education tech (SDG 4). This network fosters student exchanges and joint labs, embodying higher education's bridging role.

For Chinese universities, AUA membership enhances international visibility, encouraging more postdoc positions in sustainability. It positions institutions like Tsinghua as hubs for Asia-Pacific collaboration, vital amid geopolitical shifts.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Discussions

Roundtables featured insights from UN officials, academics, and youth, stressing higher education's pivot to SDG-aligned curricula. Challenges like uneven regional access were met with calls for open-source tech transfer. Guo Yong advocated for AI ecosystems linking labs to industries, while youth delegates shared grassroots applications.

These dialogues highlight academia's stakeholder role, from policymakers to communities, driving policy reforms in China’s higher education landscape.

Implications for Chinese Higher Education

The forum underscores Chinese universities' global pivot, with Tsinghua exemplifying 'double first-class' initiatives focused on SDGs. Investments in interdisciplinary centers yield patents and startups, boosting employability. Yet, challenges persist: balancing domestic needs with international outreach requires enhanced English programs and mobility.

For students, opportunities abound in university jobs and scholarships targeting sustainability. Institutions are urged to expand PhD tracks in green tech, aligning with national strategies like 'Carbon Peak by 2030'.

Photo by Winter Zhu on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

APFSD13 signals a new era for Asian higher education, with Chinese universities at the forefront. Future collaborations may yield joint SDG funds and tech hubs, accelerating 2030 targets. Aspiring researchers should pursue higher ed jobs in sustainability labs, leveraging platforms like AcademicJobs.com.

Explore faculty openings at higher-ed-jobs/faculty, rate professors on Rate My Professor, or access higher ed career advice. As Tsinghua's innovations deploy globally, Chinese academia invites the world to co-create a sustainable future.