On April 9, Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Office in East Asia and Representative to the DPRK, Japan, Mongolia, China, and the Republic of Korea, led a delegation to Northeast Forestry University, including Senior Advisor Professor Mu Jianxin. During the visit, UNESCO and NEFU signed a Letter of Intent for Cooperation, marking a significant step in their efforts to promote global ecological civilization and sustainable development. President Song Wenlong, Vice President, and CPC Standing Committee Member Yu Haipeng attended the signing ceremony.
Professor Shahbaz Khan is a distinguished expert in water resources and environmental science. He joined UNESCO in 2008 and served as the Director of the Water and Sustainable Development Division at UNESCO Headquarters. Later, he became the Director of the Asia-Pacific Science Bureau in Jakarta, Indonesia, representing multiple countries. Before joining UNESCO, he held various research, consultancy, and policy roles in Australia, France, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Additionally, he served as a professor and director at Charles Sturt University in Australia. His outstanding contributions have earned him widespread recognition, including the Friendship Award from the Chinese government and the Great Wall Friendship Award from the Beijing Municipal Government.
President Song Wenlong met with Professor Shahbaz Khan in the VIP Hall of the university museum, where they jointly signed the Letter of Intent for Cooperation between the UNESCO East Asia Office and Northeast Forestry University. According to the agreement, both parties will focus on two core objectives: building an ecological civilization and advancing science education. The collaboration will encompass seven key areas: establishing a sustainable development science outreach base, supporting carbon neutrality, promoting environmental protection and restoration, popularizing nature education, enhancing biodiversity conservation, facilitating the transformation of ecological products’ value, and expanding public education—thus initiating comprehensive and in-depth cooperation.
Professor Shahbaz Khan emphasized that youth are a driving force for sustainable development. Through extensive scientific collaboration and practical exploration with Northeast Forestry University, insights from China will contribute to global ecological governance and inject new momentum into sustainable development worldwide. President Song noted that this partnership marks a new phase for our university in green research and international talent cultivation. Our university will utilize its practical bases in Liangshui and Mao’ershan to provide ongoing intellectual and technological support for Heilongjiang’s strategy to become an ecologically strong province. This initiative aims to help Heilongjiang achieve significant progress in ecological construction and green development, setting an example for global environmental governance.
That afternoon, Professor Shahbaz Khan delivered a popular science lecture titled “Empowering Youth with Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future” at the Chengdong Building conference hall, officially launching our university’s 2025 Science Popularization Series. The lecture was hosted by Huang Yingli, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology Research. During the talk, Professor Khan highlighted UNESCO’s efforts to support youth climate action through initiatives such as the “Climate Change Makerthon” and the “Model UN Climate Negotiations.” He also noted that China’s 59 World Heritage Sites, 47 Global Geoparks, and 34 Biosphere Reserves serve as models for ecological conservation and exemplify global best practices. Additionally, UNESCO will assist Heilongjiang Province in establishing an “Ecohydrology Demonstration Zone.” Both parties will co-host a side event at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, set to take place in Hangzhou later this year.
Professor Shahbaz Khan Delivered a Popular Science Lecture at the Chengdong Building Conference Hall
Professor Shahbaz Khan Engaged in a Discussion with International Students at Our University
During his visit, Professor Shahbaz Khan toured our university’s Forest Museum, where he gained insights into forest conservation and research advancements in Northeast China. He praised our university’s remarkable achievements in forestry research, its dedication to preserving forest culture, and innovative science education practices. Leaders from the Heilongjiang Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the Forestry Academy, and the Naoli River National Nature Reserve, along with He Nianpeng (Executive Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology Research), Huang Yingli (Deputy Director), Jin Xin (Director of Mao’ershan Experimental Forest), Yu Jihang (Director of Liangshui Experimental Forest), and Professor Guo Xiaorui (a teacher representative), participated in the related events.
