Belt & Road Research Center at AIT welcomed students from Henan Normal University (HNU), China, for the Global Competency Development Program for Youth: Appreciation of Civilizations Along the Silk Road, held from 22 to 28 July 2026. Designed to strengthen global competencies through sustainability education and intercultural exchange, the program brought together students and academics in an immersive learning experience while further reinforcing the long standing partnership between AIT and HNU.
The program officially commenced with representatives from AIT and Henan Normal University reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening international collaboration and preparing future leaders to address global sustainability challenges. The opening was followed by thematic lectures from Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon and Dr. Wenchao Xue, introducing participants to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental sustainability, and the role of higher education in advancing sustainable development.
One of the program’s highlights was an international experience sharing session featuring AIT graduate students from China, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Through their personal stories, they shared how scholarships, perseverance, and AIT’s multicultural and nature rich learning environment had shaped their academic journeys. Their experiences encouraged participants to look beyond their own borders and view international education as an opportunity for both academic and personal growth.
The discussions continued with an international round table involving AIT students from seven countries, where participants exchanged perspectives on culture, diversity, and sustainability challenges in their home countries. Working in multicultural teams, they explored practical solutions aligned with the SDGs, addressing topics such as improving rural education through scholarship opportunities and voluntary teaching initiatives, reducing poverty, strengthening climate action, and tackling water pollution.
The academic program further broadened participants’ perspectives through lectures by Dr. Muhammad Yaseen on sustainable agricultural innovation and Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe on gender and inclusive development. Beyond the classroom, visits to Mahidol University, UNITAR CIFAL Bangkok, and UN ESCAP enabled students to observe how universities and international organizations translate sustainability principles into research, education, and public policy.
The program concluded with group presentations and a certificate awarding ceremony. Reflecting on their learning journey, participants shared that the experience had strengthened their confidence in communicating in English, expanded their global perspectives, and provided valuable opportunities to engage with an international academic community. Beyond acquiring new knowledge, they left AIT with a deeper appreciation of cross-cultural collaboration and the collective responsibility of building a more sustainable future.
Through initiatives such as the Global Competency Development Program for Youth, AIT continues to foster meaningful international partnerships while empowering the next generation of global citizens with the knowledge, skills, and intercultural understanding needed to address today’s interconnected challenges.