On an afternoon in April, our club hosted an engaging and insightful collaboration with students from Fairview International School, Malaysia, as part of the Foreign Diplomacy Forum. As their trip to Taiwan was on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we debate on the question of “How can economic growth and climate action be achieved at the same time?”. Together, we crafted comprehensive solutions for climate change, or SDG 13, with consideration of other SDGs.
Getting to Know Each Other
We kicked off with short introductions and icebreakers by separating into 6 roups, laying the foundation for a cross-cultural exchange. Despite different nationalities and accents, our shared concern for the planet quickly became the common language.
Brainstorming Bold Solutions
Students broke into 4 mixed-nationality groups to discuss realistic solutions that could promote both sustainable development and economic prosperity. All of our club members had enjoyed the communication and discussion between them when brainstorming solutions. The creativity and critical thinking were evident in every poster and pitch:
Group Ideas Included:
- Recycling Innovation: Encouraging businesses to manufacture products like footballs! using recycled materials to reduce waste and promote reuse.
- Government Incentives: Increasing funding for eco-friendly businesses and sustainable startups.
- Circular Economy Models: Using recycled inputs to create new products while charging entry fees for educational factory and gallery tours on sustainability.
- Carbon Emission Trading & Electric Vehicles: Promoting carbon markets and expanding electric vehicle usage to reduce emissions and generate green jobs.
- Green Jobs & Education: Developing training programs that prepare the workforce for the green economy, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency.
- International Collaboration: Engaging in partnerships between countries to share technology and strategies for climate solutions.
During the presentation with posters, I saw enthusiasm and use of persuasive speaking. From the use of wind and solar power to global recycling systems, the ideas were both innovative and actionable. Each ideas shows the uniqueness of solutions crafted by Youth, showing the potential of our own ideas. Although students usually face barriers to get involved in climate discussion and solution-forming opportunities, by having a cross-national interaction, we all learned that we as a young generation also have power to positively influence the society.
Debate & Dialogue
The second half of the session turned into a mini-debate where students respectfully challenged one another’s ideas, questioning feasibility, cost, and long-term impact. This created a dynamic learning atmosphere, where Malaysian and Taiwanese students alike refined their arguments and considered new viewpoints and solutions.
“We can switch from fossil fuel to low-carbon sources. But to make it feasible, we need a smooth transition system,” one participant noted, drawing from SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Others agreed with the participant, claiming that without a smooth transition phase, the plan will fail as energy security and supply chain will be disrupted. Not only I was inspired by the participant, but others were impressed by the power of debate which opened new perspectives in ourselves.
Wrapping Up with Smiles
The event ended with a photo session, high-fives across the classroom, and reflections on how youth can take meaningful steps toward climate action. Students left not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of global citizenship, teamwork, and a new friendship built across different nationalities.
Wow, such a nice opportunity!