#Germany #Berlin #Sustainable Development #Green Innovation #Tongji University

The Tongji Day and Tongji-German Symposium 2025: A Milestone in Green Cooperation

On June 13, 2025, Berlin hosted the successful Tongji Day and Tongji-German Symposium 2025, marking a significant achievement in fostering sustainable collaboration between China and Germany. This event, organized by Tongji University and its German-Chinese Center, revolved around the theme of "New Pathways to Sustainable Transformation in Chinese-German Cooperation for a Greener Future."

Professor Fang Shou'en, chair of the university council, highlighted the pivotal role of Tongji University as a bridge between China and Germany over the past century. He emphasized the university's strategy to advocate for digitization, green innovations, and interdisciplinary collaborations as tools to address global challenges.

During the event, the International Study Academy of Tongji University was formally introduced, featuring recruitment bases for international students and foreign talent. Additionally, the first Tongji Summer Camp in Germany was announced, promising intercultural exchange opportunities for hundreds of students. The ceremony also saw the awarding of certificates to the first batch of Chinese-German corporate mentors, including executives from SAP and Gotion High-Tech, underscoring the center's commitment to linking academia with industry practices.

Under the theme "New Pathways to Sustainable Transformation as a Driving Force," experts from academia and industry gathered to explore new cooperation-based innovation opportunities. The objective was to reinvigorate global sustainable development through the Chinese-European partnership. Key speakers included Dr. Gero Decker from SAP and Professor Xie Jingui from the Technical University of Munich. In their talks, they stressed the necessity for Chinese-German cooperation to evolve from mere resource complementarity to joint technology development, particularly in artificial intelligence and green energy sectors.

A panel discussion featured insights from Clas Neumann, Senior Vice President of SAP and head of the global SAP Labs network; Andre Meyer, Director of Business Development and External Relations for EMEA; and Zhang Hui, Vice President of NIO Group. The forum culminated in the official launch of the International Center for Joint Innovation in Sustainable Energy Management—Tongji-XJ Group. Created in partnership with XJ Group Corporation, this center aims to boost energy transformation and the development of green technologies.

Professor Shi Qian, chair of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Tongji University and head of the Chinese-German Academy at the university, stated that the new center would serve as a platform for technological collaboration, linking human resource development, research, and technology transfer to accelerate the global transition toward sustainable energy.

Representatives from Berlin's academic and political communities attended the event, including members of the Berlin Senate and the Asia Berlin Forum, alongside experts from various institutions such as the Technical University of Berlin and Humboldt University. The symposium was indeed a step forward in enhancing cooperation aimed at creating a sustainable and greener future for both China and Germany.