[Academic Exchange] First International Workshop on Global Communication and Sustainable Development Held at Wuhan University

From March 21 to 23, the First International Workshop on Global Communication and Sustainable Development was held at Wuhan University. Scholars from leading universities and research institutions in the UK, Germany, France, and India gathered at Wuhan University to engage in in-depth dialogue on global challenges such as climate change and environmental governance.

In his opening speech, Vice President Yuan Yufeng of Wuhan University warmly welcomed Professor John Downey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University and co-organizer of the workshop. He reviewed the collaborative history between the two universities and emphasized Wuhan University’s international engagement strategy centered on “scholars, scholarship, and schools.” He stressed that Wuhan University is committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change and technological transformation through international cooperation, fostering cross-cultural dialogue to develop feasible solutions, and contributing Chinese wisdom to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Professor Jean-Francois Huchet, President of the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) in Paris and Vice President of the French University Association, sent a congratulatory message via video.

In his keynote presentation, Professor John Downey of Loughborough University used big data analysis to highlight the polarization of climate change discourse and advocated for building consensus through dialogue.

The workshop featured three parallel sessions. Scholars from domestic universities, research institutes, and academic journals held in-depth discussions on topics such as “Epistemological Approaches to Global Issues in the Modernization Context,” “Media Narratives and International Communication of Climate Change Agendas,” and “Environmental Governance for Sustainable Development.”