Sustainable futures
Empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders
Empowering the next generation to turn sustainability knowledge into meaningful action is increasingly important for both society and industry. As awareness of environmental and social issues grows, so too does the need for talent with the skills to deliver ESG priorities in practice. EmpowerChain responds to this opportunity by connecting education, industry and communities through hands-on learning, enabling young people to apply their knowledge and contribute to real-world solutions for a more sustainable future.
What does it take to equip the next generation with the skills to solve real-world sustainability challenges? For many young people, the gap between learning about sustainability and applying it in practice remains a significant barrier. At the same time, industries are urgently seeking talent who can navigate ESG (environmental, social and governance) priorities and support the transition to greener, more inclusive economies.
EmpowerChain was created to bridge this divide, connecting education, industry and communities through a hands-on, action-driven approach to sustainability learning.
A new model for youth-driven sustainability
Led by Professor Jing Dai through RCE Ningbo, this award-winning project ran from March 2024 to March 2025 and has been recognised as a 2025 United Nations University (UNU) Flagship Project.
At its core is a simple but powerful idea: learning by doing.
Built around a full-cycle model, Knowledge Exchange → Scenario Immersion → Practical Implementation. EmpowerChain brings together students, academics, businesses, policymakers and community organisations. The aim is not only to build skills, but to enable young people to actively shape sustainable solutions for their region.
Rooted in Ningbo’s green transformation, the project responds directly to the growing demand for ESG talent while helping young people translate theory into meaningful action.
Research and programme highlights
EmpowerChain is designed as more than a programme, it is a journey. Each stage builds on the next, guiding participants from ideas to action through hands-on learning, global collaboration and real-world problem solving. The result is an approach that turns ambition into practical outcomes.
- Building skills through immersive learning
A structured four-module empowerment programme engaged more than 500 young participants. Activities included interdisciplinary expert sessions, “Business for Good” sustainable city walks, a global design competition and hands-on ESG research projects.
- Connecting global and local partners
The project established a collaborative network spanning more than 20 partners, including universities, B Corps, leading brands and public sector organisations, creating opportunities for real-world engagement and knowledge exchange.
- Delivering real-world sustainability outcomes
Participants developed practical solutions adopted by corporate partners, alongside research outputs such as a financed emissions report on China’s banking sector and policy recommendations supporting green finance and inclusive employment.
- Creating a scalable education model
EmpowerChain demonstrates a replicable approach to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), combining interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-based learning and active participation, with potential to scale across the Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) network.
Impact
EmpowerChain is helping to redefine how sustainability is taught, learned and applied.
By building a pipeline of future-ready talent, the project supports regional green transformation while empowering young people to become active contributors to sustainable development. It also strengthens collaboration between academia, industry and government, ensuring sustainability is embedded across systems, not addressed in isolation.
As part of the United Nations University’s global network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs), Ningbo plays a key role in connecting local innovation with international best practice, creating a platform for long-term impact.
Ultimately, EmpowerChain shows how education can move beyond the classroom, equipping young people not just to understand sustainability challenges, but to solve them.
Professor Jing Dai
Professor Jing Dai leads research and collaboration in sustainable operations and technology management, with expertise in green supply chains, supply chain innovation, environmental technology and ESG. Her work focuses on improving sustainability in business through digital innovation, operational strategy and responsible supply chain practices