Recently, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has been officially approved to establish the Regional Centre of Expertise Ningbo(referred to as "RCE Ningbo") on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by United Nations University (UNU). The Centre will leverage UNNC’s global resources to build an international platform for sustainable development education and practice, cultivate professionals, drive sustainable research and innovation, and promote the sustainable development of local industries.
The approval of RCE Ningbo marks another significant milestone in UNNC’s commitment to sustainability. The project was proposed by the team led by Professor Kok Wei Khong, Dean of Nottingham University Business School China, and Professor Jing Dai, Director of the Centre for Responsible Business and Innovation (CRBI). Back in November 2023, the Business School founded the CRBI as part of its commitment to advancing sustainable development.
The United Nations RCE on ESD is a global network initiated and endorsed by the UNU, aiming to facilitate collaboration among institutions, organisations, and communities worldwide to promote sustainable development education and share global best practices. By the end of 2024, there were over 190 RCEs worldwide, spanning various countries and regions. In China, only nine RCEs had been established, including those in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hangzhou. The addition of RCE Ningbo not only expands this global network but also strengthens China’s international collaboration in sustainable development education. RCE Ningbo will not only provide students with a platform to translate theory into practice but also foster deeper cooperation with stakeholders to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“RCE Ningbo is more than just a recognition of what we have accomplished so far. It is a testament to the meaningful role higher education can play in creating a more sustainable world,” said Professor Kok Wei Khong. “We have shown what positive impact we can make when academia, industry, government, and communities come together with a shared purpose. This is an excellent example of how collaboration across different sectors can deliver transformational change.”
Moving forward, RCE Ningbo will focus on three key areas: 1) Strengthening Collaboration and Engagement – Partnering with governments, industry bodies, and social organisations to enhance local enterprises' performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability; 2) Deepening Research and Knowledge Exchange – Promoting innovation and practical applications in sustainable development while facilitating the translation and sharing of research outcomes; 3) Advancing Talent Development – Focusing on sustainable management, green innovation, and social responsibility to enhance youth education in sustainability, raise public awareness, and provide systematic training for faculty and professionals to support the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC, said that sustainable development is aligning closely with the university’s core values and development strategy, and the recognition of the RCE Ningbo by the UNU further strengthens UNNC’s dedication to advancing education for sustainable development. He emphasised that through strengthened collaboration with local and global partners, the university will continue to foster innovation, education, and community engagement to address sustainability challenges and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.