To inspire global youth’s passion for exploring the field of "AI for Good" (Artificial Intelligence for Public Welfare) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to cultivate the next generation of innovative talents capable of addressing global challenges, the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) successfully held a four-day 2025 Summer Workshop from June 30 to July 3, 2025. The event attracted outstanding students from the School of Computer Science and the School of Ecology and Environment of Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) to jointly explore how cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop officially kicked off with intensive and fruitful academic exchanges. On the first day, Professor Georgina systematically reviewed the latest progress in "AI for Good", and in-depth explained cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and agent-based modeling, opening students’ horizons to AI-enabled social innovation. Subsequently, Teacher Min comprehensively interpreted the UN system and its core framework—the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a macro background and directional guidance for subsequent project ideas. Under the guidance of Teachers Pierre and Jia’an, students launched enthusiastic brainstorming around social issues of their concern.
The core of this workshop lies in the rapid transformation of theoretical knowledge into innovative solution concepts. Under the full guidance of the tutor team (Pierre, Jia’an, Ally, etc.), students were divided into groups to conduct in-depth discussions around a specific sustainable development challenge, stimulate creativity, and ultimately form a complete "AI for SDG" project idea. From defining the problem, selecting AI technical paths to analyzing potential social impacts, students experienced the entire process of creating a valuable idea from scratch.
Notably, the workshop also featured a special discussion on AI research in Africa, hosted by Jia’an and Ally. This greatly broadened students’ global perspectives and enabled them to think about issues from more diverse cultural and economic perspectives.
The highlight of the workshop was brilliantly staged at the results presentation on the last day. Each group took turns to take the stage and presented their polished "AI for SDG" project ideas to the judges and all participants. The proposals covered a wide range of fields including smart agriculture, mental health, inclusive finance, and environmental protection, fully demonstrating the younger generation’s profound concern for social issues and innovative thinking.
On the stage, the students displayed clear logic and fluent expression, not only demonstrating solid technical understanding and teamwork capabilities but also highlighting the sense of responsibility and youthful vitality of contemporary youth in promoting sustainable development through technology. This presentation was not only a concentrated display of research results but also a growth opportunity to inspire career thinking and ignite ideals and aspirations.
In addition, the "UN Career Development" forum hosted by Jingbo Huang, Director of UNU Macau, brought great inspiration to the students. By sharing their valuable experience working in international organizations with the students, it pointed out the career development path for young people aspiring to engage in global public service.
Beyond academic learning, the School of Computer Science organized students to visit and exchange at the University of Macau (UM). Through the university history lecture, everyone systematically learned about the development story of UM and visited the Wu Yee Sun Library. One of the collections, the Qinling Bronze Chariots and Horses, was a gift from the State Education Commission to UM for its 10th anniversary. This exhibit, which bears special significance, was produced by our university, and this detail left a deep impression on everyone.
The successful holding of the 2025 Summer Workshop by UNU Macau not only provided NPU students with a platform to learn cutting-edge knowledge and stimulate innovative thinking but also built a bridge connecting academic theories with global issues. The event perfectly interpreted the concept of "AI for Good". It is believed that these outstanding young people will carry the valuable ideas born from this event and contribute their wisdom and strength to creating a more sustainable and equitable world in their future studies and work.
