Intl youths champion ocean sustainability at Shanghai summer school

The 2026 Shanghai Summer School Marine Sustainable Development Program wrapped up on June 15 at Shanghai Ocean University, hosting 30 international youth participants from 14 nations. Since its launch in 2008, this initiative has become a key platform for fostering global education exchanges, focusing on marine sustainability, ecological conservation, and the blue economy. The two-week program emphasized marine governance, balancing resource utilization with conservation, and the importance of marine protected areas. Participants engaged in lectures, museum visits featuring biological specimens and historical materials, and discussions on sustainable marine development. Joe-Nkamuke Uzoamaka of Nigeria, speaking for the group, noted the program deepened their understanding of marine sustainability and reinforced the shared responsibility to protect oceans for future generations. Malaysian participant Tee Jing Yien described the experience as transformative, particularly after learning about the ocean’s significance and the urgency of its preservation. Cultural activities, including traditional Chinese hand fan-making, brush painting, and wearing traditional attire, complemented the academic sessions. Tee Jing Yien reflected on forming friendships across cultures, united by a shared commitment to marine sustainability and Chinese heritage. The program aims to inspire global youth action for ocean conservation, with organizers encouraging broader participation to strengthen collaborative efforts.