The Zhejiang Initiative: From Okayama to Zhejiang –Ecological Civilisation in Dialogue, CliMATE in Action was launched at the 17th Asia-Pacific Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) Conference, held at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) from 26 to 28 October. Jointly organised by RCE Ningbo and RCE Hangzhou, the conference brought together nearly 100 representatives of international organisations, regional and government bodies, and academic institutions from more than 10 countries and regions at UNNC to advance regional cooperation on sustainable development.
Developed with significant contributions from UNNC, the Zhejiang Initiative marks an important step in translating shared sustainability ambitions into coordinated, practical action. Building on the 2025 Okayama Declaration, it introduces the innovative CliMATE framework to help RCEs across the Asia-Pacific accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals.
“The Zhejiang Initiative aims to unite diverse stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific and provide strategic guidance for the future collective work of the regional RCE network,” said Professor Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi, Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS).
As one of the principal drafters of the initiative, Professor Jing Dai said: “The Zhejiang Initiative brings together diverse practices, experiences and commitments from across the Asia-Pacific into an actionable, coordinated and trackable framework. Through a systematic approach to collaboration, it provides strategic direction for the region’s next phase of work and injects fresh momentum into accelerating progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
The CliMATE framework provides a practical approach to collaboration, learning and innovation, alongside four pillars of action: mobilising stakeholders to develop collaborative projects, strengthening accountability throughout value chains, using technology to enable the green transition, and empowering climate-resilient communities. The initiative also identifies five priorities: building inclusive partnerships for education for sustainable development (ESD), empowering young people as co-creators of ESD pathways, connecting local knowledge with scientific expertise, developing green skills and responsible business practices, and advancing responsible digital ESD and regional learning communities.
Zhejiang was chosen for its distinctive experience in translating sustainability principles into practical action. The province is the birthplace of the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” and has pioneered initiatives in ecological governance, rural revitalisation and low-carbon development. Its experience offers valuable lessons for regional cooperation and the pursuit of the SDGs.
As a university connecting local expertise with global perspectives, UNNC has contributed to sustainable development through research, education, campus operations and community engagement. Its work includes contributions to the UN Global Compact, a youth sustainability initiative selected as a United Nations University flagship project, and the development of China’s first group standard for ESG assessment in the manufacturing sector. Through these efforts, the University helps translate international knowledge and standards into practical resources for businesses and students, while sharing local experience with the wider world.
The initiative will be supported by a 12-month follow-up mechanism, under which RCEs across the Asia-Pacific will develop projects guided by the CliMATE framework and review progress at the next regional RCE conference. RCE Ningbo will focus on responsible business and ESG leadership, drawing on its manufacturing ESG assessment standards and digital platform to promote sustainable supply chain management at both enterprise and city levels.
From the Okayama Declaration to the Zhejiang Initiative, this transition from shared principles to coordinated implementation reflects UNNC’s commitment to connecting local innovation with global challenges and advancing a more sustainable future through international collaboration.
Published on 27 October 2026