#Germany #Berlin #Sustainable Development #Tongji University #Sino-German Cooperation

Tongji Day and Tongji-German Symposium 2025: A Milestone in Sino-European Collaboration

On June 13, 2025, Berlin played host to a transformative event: the Tongji Day and Tongji-German Symposium 2025. This gathering served as an important milestone in fostering sustainable cooperation between China and Germany. Organized by Tongji University and its German-Sino Center, the symposium centered around the theme “New Pathways for Sustainable Transformation: Sino-German Cooperation for a Greener Future.”

The event highlighted the longstanding historical bond between China and Germany, particularly through the pivotal role that Tongji University has played over the past century. Professor Fang Shou'en, Chairman of the University Council, emphasized the institution's commitment to drive digitalization, green innovations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These are crucial in addressing global challenges, particularly in the wake of climate change and ecological degradation.

One of the major announcements during the symposium was the unveiling of the Tongji University International Study Academy, an initiative aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding among students. Additionally, the first Tongji Germany Summer Camp was announced, set to host hundreds of students for immersive learning experiences.

Another significant highlight of the event was the certification of the first cohort of Sino-German corporate mentors, which included prominent executives from companies like SAP and Gotion High-Tech. This initiative underscores the focus on fostering synergy between academia and industry, thereby creating a robust platform for cooperative innovation.

The symposium attracted scholars and industry leaders from both nations, who engaged in discussions about the future of Sino-German collaboration. Keynote speakers included Dr. Gero Decker from SAP and Professor Xie Jingui from TU Munich, who stressed the need for a transformation in cooperative efforts—from resource complementarity to technological co-innovation. Their insights particularly emphasized the importance of collaboration in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green energy technologies.

The exchange of ideas continued with contributions from industry leaders like Clas Neumann, Andre Meyer, and Zhang Hui, who shared their perspectives on how Sino-German partnerships can stimulate innovation and lead to significant advancements in various sectors, particularly focusing on sustainability.

In a further demonstration of commitment toward sustainable energy transition, the symposium concluded with the launch of the Tongji-XJ Group Sustainable Energy Management International Joint Innovation Center. This collaborative effort between Tongji University and XJ Group Corporation aims to propel technological advancements in green energy and facilitate transitions toward sustainable practices.

Professor Shi Qian, the Dean of Tongji’s Sino-German Academy, remarked on the significance of this new hub for technological collaboration. It will integrate talent development, research and development (R&D), and technology transfer aimed at expediting the global shift toward green energy.

Representatives from Berlin's academic and political circles attended the event, with notable participants from the Berlin Senate and Asia Berlin Forum. Scholars from prestigious institutions such as TU Berlin, Humboldt University, University of Mannheim, ESCP Berlin, and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology were also present, highlighting the extensive collaborative network being fostered through this event.

The Tongji Day and Symposium not only provided a vital platform for dialogue but also created pathways for future collaborations that aim to enhance sustainability and address ecological crises on a global scale. As nations work together in an increasingly interconnected world, events such as this underscore the shared responsibility in shaping a greener future for all.