LocationsSustainability Begins with Education
Innovative youth solutions from the National Dialogue China 2024
The concept of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is globally recognized, but awareness remains limited. Many individuals lack environmental consciousness, influenced by factors like prolonged indoor lifestyles, limited access to education, and shifting cultural values.
To bridge this gap, the Shecho Ecosystem project was launched as an initiative under Shecho Mind, an organization dedicated to reconnecting people with nature, bridging intergenerational divides, and fostering inclusive support for mental well-being and education, explained co-founder Jia Bao.
Unlike traditional education models, Shecho Ecosystem seeks to provide experiential learning opportunities. "We wanted to create a space where individuals from all walks of life could reconnect, grow, and thrive together," said Jia.
The program introduces students to ecological concepts and sustainable living practices, such as growing plants and transforming kitchen waste. It also offers hands-on experiences through nature observation zones and handicraft workshops. Notably, the initiative extends beyond students, welcoming adult participants and fostering a community-wide approach to sustainability.
Beyond environmental education, Shecho Ecosystem also offers courses in folk dance, traditional music, and handicraft making, it integrates sustainability with cultural preservation, ensuring a more holistic and inclusive learning experience.
Bridging Divides
A particularly inspiring example of the Shecho Ecosystem’s impact comes from its work in Neixiang County, Henan, where the "Her Digital Future" initiative was launched in combination with a community-based climate adaptation training program. Like many other regions, Neixiang faced challenges including limited access to technology, environmental vulnerability, and few opportunities for girls to explore STEM fields.
Through hands-on workshops, young girls were introduced to basic coding and digital tools, helping them see themselves as creators of technology rather than passive users. At the same time, the initiative hosted a climate adaptation training camp for the broader community, focusing on practical strategies like sustainable water management and disaster preparedness.
These workshops brought together local residents across different generations and encouraged to share knowledge and understanding of how technology and community-driven solutions can tackle environmental challenges.
One standout participant a 13-year-old girl, Xiong Qingwen, became one of the most enthusiastic learners in the "Her Digital Future" program despite her initial lack of confidence. Taking the lead, she organized her group to conduct street interviews, guiding them through the entire process, Jia recalled.
One of Shecho Ecosystem's key achievements was reaching over 1,000 students through a series of hands-on workshops.
Jia emphasized the importance of partnerships in scaling the project's impact. “We’ve been able to scale our impact, and bring education, healthcare and economic opportunities to underserved communities. Knowing that we are making a real difference in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.”
Opportunities = pathway to a better future
For Shecho Ecosystem, providing opportunities is equivalent to paving the way for a better future.
"Many of the individuals we work with come from underprivileged backgrounds or underserved areas, but they possess an unwavering determination to improve their circumstances and create a better life for themselves and their families," said Jia.
“It’s clear that these young individuals are eager for knowledge, guidance, and support. "When given the right tools, resources, and encouragement, they have the potential for tremendous growth and innovation." Jia gives an example, "our mental health initiatives have been paired with workshops on community resilience, teaching individuals how to better support one another in times of crisis."
"What I’ve learned through these experiences is that these communities are not just recipients of help—they are active participants in the process of change."
Jia and her team continue to build capacity and support communities with knowledge that fosters self-sufficiency in long-term and meaningful change.
“True social change begins with understanding, empathy, and collaboration. Whether through volunteering, partnerships, or simply sharing our story, I hope people realize they have a role to play in helping us drive positive change and create a more equitable, sustainable future.”
Note: Shecho Ecosystem was one of the many innovative youth teams that showcased their solutions and participated in the 2024 National Dialogue China. Visit the National Dialogue for more information.
This article does not represent an endorsement of any commercial or private enterprise.
About National Dialogue
National Dialogues are flagship country-level events of Youth Co:Lab, co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation, which bring together youth leaders and stakeholders to build capacities, foster innovation, and co-create solutions to national development challenges, while strengthening coalitions and shaping an enabling ecosystem. As the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality, and social inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, Youth Co:Lab has supported young people in 28 countries and territories, reaching over 300,000 participants.
At the national level, the National Dialogue China is co-hosted by UNDP, the China Song Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People (SCLSCC), and Citi China. Held annually, the event aims to empower Chinese youth to contribute to achieving the SDGs through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Over the past six years, the National Dialogue China has supported more than 300 Chinese youth-led start-ups, offering professional mentorship from experts across impact funds, incubators, and academia, while enhancing their access to funding opportunities from industry partners.
Every year, outstanding teams from the National Dialogue China are selected to join other teams from National Dialogues across the region at the Youth Co:Lab Summit, the largest gathering of youth social entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region. They present their innovative business solutions alongside peers from other countries and territories, showcasing how youth can drive a green and just transition through social innovation and entrepreneurship.
