In the face of global challenges such as climate change, wealth inequality, and trade conflicts, saving the planet has become an urgent matter. National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Taiwan Soka Association, hosted the “Creating Value for SDGs × Seeds of Hope and Action Exhibition.” The opening ceremony took place today (12/20) on the 1st floor of the Library and Exhibition Hall on campus. The event not only introduces the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also showcases the “Seeds of Hope and Action Exhibition” jointly planned by the International Soka Association (SGI) and the Earth Charter. Through diverse and interactive content, the exhibition aims to resonate with more people, drawing attention to the hopeful future of sustainable development. Various distinguished guests from all sectors are welcomed to visit the exhibition.
President Chang-Hsien Tai stated, “NPUST, being primarily focused on agriculture, regards the urgent issue of rapid climate change due to global warming as a mission for the university. In recent years, the university has been promoting smart agriculture, hoping to integrate knowledge and machinery from various aspects to improve the development of agriculture through smart technology, big data, and the Internet. However, achieving sustainable mutual benefits cannot be accomplished alone and is closely related to various fields. Therefore, it requires everyone to work together, relying on joint efforts. We also hope that through rooted education, each individual can feel empathy and contribute to the well-being of future generations.”
The core concept of the exhibition is “From the Beginning, From the Heart.” “From the Beginning” encourages individuals to exert their power through a simple phrase or action. “From the Heart” hopes that people, from the depths of their hearts, recognize themselves as part of the life community with the environment. Everyone has the ability to make changes for sustainable development. The exhibition is divided into four main areas: the “Entrance Area,” “Theme Area,” “Interactive Area,” and “Results Area.” The “Entrance Area” introduces the origin and concept of the exhibition and the significance of SDGs. The “Theme Area” presents the stories of eight activists from around the world, urging people to take action to change their surrounding environment. The “Interactive Area” incorporates educational and entertaining activities to implement SDGs in daily life. The “Results Area” displays the achievements of university students and graduate students in practicing SDGs in their lives, such as students showcasing their creativity in mountain cleaning activities, interviewing foreign workers about their lives and work situations, and sharing these experiences with community members, creating a positive response.
NPUST has collaborated with the Soka Association on several occasions to organize exhibitions such as the “Gandhi, King, Ikeda Exhibition,” coexistence with nature exhibition, and Soka performances. In 2004, during the 80th anniversary of the university’s founding, Academician Chang-Hung Chou, who served as the president at that time, awarded the “Honorary Doctor of Agriculture” to President Daisaku Ikeda of the Soka Gakkai International in recognition of his dedication to culture, education, and peace movements and contributions to the sustainable development of the Earth.
The entire faculty and students of the university spare no effort to fulfill social responsibilities. From 2014 to the present, NPUST has consecutively ranked first in the Green University in Taiwan for eight years. In 2020, it was ranked 31st globally. The university received the “USR University Social Responsibility ‘Co-Living’ and ‘Eco-Friendly’ Dual Model Award” from CommonWealth Magazine in 2020 and the first prize in the “Eco-Friendly Group” category in 2021. In 2021, NPUST was recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Impact Rankings, ranking among the top 400 in the world and first among national universities of science and technology. Additionally, in 2021, NPUST received the “14th TCSA Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards – University Group – Platinum Award.”
The Taiwan Soka Association is committed to cultural, educational, and peace activities, aiming to create the highest value of life and promote friendship and peace among people. It is a humanistic organization. The association has received the “Executive Yuan Award,” the “Religious Public Welfare Award” (formerly the Excellent Religious Organization Award) from the Ministry of the Interior in 19 instances, and the “National Social Organization Public Welfare Contribution Award” (formerly the National Social Excellence Organization Award) in 22 instances. In terms of education, it has received the “Social Education Contribution Award” (formerly the Outstanding Social Education Promotion Group Award) nine times and the “Art Education Contribution Award” twice. The association has also been recognized four times with the “Wenxin Award” by the Ministry of Culture (website: http://www.twsgi.org.tw). To deepen members’ understanding of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the association invited Dr. Yu-Hsin Chien, Chairman of the Taiwan Sustainable Energy Research Foundation, to give a special lecture on “Paris Agreement × SDGs: Initiating a World Transformation” in March of this year.
