In celebration of Earth Day 2026, the Green University Union of Taiwan (GUUT), Chaoyang University of Technology (CYUT), and Focus Magazine co-hosted the “SDGs Action Initiative and Sustainable Low-Carbon Materials Application Forum,” with support from National Taiwan University and the Plastics Industry Development Center. The event brought together stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and media to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate net-zero transformation. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment Yein-Rui Hsieh delivered a keynote on national strategies for achieving net-zero sustainability, highlighting the importance of coordinated, cross-sector action in addressing climate change and resource challenges.

In his remarks, Hsieh emphasized that universities are no longer solely institutions of knowledge dissemination but have become active drivers of social practice through teaching, research, and University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives. The participation of 74 member universities in GUUT’s SDGs initiative demonstrates the collective capacity of higher education to respond to environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable transformation. GUUT Chair and President of CYUT, Tao-Ming Cheng, echoed this perspective, stressing that the Earth Day theme “Our Power, Our Planet” underscores the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions to translate sustainability concepts into tangible actions through collaboration and partnership.

The forum also featured a series of expert presentations on sustainable low-carbon materials and resource circularity, addressing topics such as high-value applications of low-carbon materials, the recycling of agricultural resources, sustainable plastic technologies, and innovative approaches to inorganic resource reuse. A panel discussion further explored water treatment, materials development, and industrial applications, bridging the gap between research and practice. The event also showcased USR projects focused on circular economy and community engagement, demonstrating practical outcomes in environmental sustainability, industrial support, and local collaboration, while reinforcing the critical role of universities in fostering innovation and advancing sustainable development.