Organized by the Investment and Technology Promotion Office (Beijing) under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and hosted by Shandong University (SDU), the launch ceremony of the UNIDO “Clean Energy Innovation” University Alliance was held at SDU on May 16.

UNIDO had previously proposed the establishment of the alliance to strengthen international exchanges and cooperation between organizations and universities, aiming to achieve UN's clean energy sustainable development goals.

At the event, Han Shenghao, vice-president of SDU, affirmed the efforts made by SDU in areas such as green conversion and efficient utilization of energy resources, low-carbon energy and energy-saving technology. He said that SDU will bring its disciplinary advantages into full play and deepen international cooperation with UNIDO in the fields of green development and climate change. By building a high-quality collaboration platform, SDU will work with member universities to share resources in talent cultivation, academic exchange and scientific research, respond to global energy challenges and make new contributions to the sustainable development of clean energy.

Gong Weixi, director general of GLO/ITP at UNIDO, said that UNIDO attaches great importance to cooperating with experts, researchers and especially young talents from universities around the world to promote research and application of global clean energy. He also expressed hope that more universities and experts will join the alliance to advance the development and application of clean energy innovations and create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.

Wu Yabin, director of UNIDO ITPO Beijing, said that the alliance will hold a series of exchange activities in member universities this year as well as help young people participate in clean energy innovation and practice.

Nearly 200 faculty and students from SDU, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen University, Sichuan University and Zhengzhou University attended the event.