Organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), the 2025 Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo (SDG Asia 2025) took place from September 11 to 13 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall One. Centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the expo brought together government, industry, academia, and civil society to jointly advance net-zero transition, circular economy, education for sustainability, and social prosperity.

This year, National Chung Cheng University (CCU) joined the Sustainable Education Pavilion, featuring two major highlights: “Life 3.0: The Future of the Third Life” and “Youth in Action × Local Engagement.” The showcase demonstrated the University’s deep commitment to promoting lifelong education and well-being for older adults, as well as advancing University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives within local communities.

“Life 3.0: The Future of the Third Life” emphasized that later life was not merely an extension of living but a new beginning for creativity and learning. The exhibition integrated the three core concepts: “Sustainable Aging × Educational Transformation × Social Advocacy.” It also responded to SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It was coordinated by the Institute for Aging, Work and Wellbeing (IAWW) at CCU, highlighting the University’s interdisciplinary strengths in labor and welfare law, education and health, as well as industry and economy. The exhibition presented three key achievements:

1. Establishing a flexible learning pathway that enables older adults to progress from credit programs to bachelor’s degrees, fulfilling lifelong educational dreams;
2. Addressing risks of cognitive decline among the elderly by developing dementia prevention and health promotion strategies; and
3. Advocating elderly rights and institutional equity, enhancing social participation and life dignity.

It is worth noting that the National Office of the University of the Third Life is hosted and coordinated by CCU, underscoring its leading role in promoting senior education nationwide. Through real-life stories, interactive displays, and visual presentations, the exhibition illustrated how seniors actively participate in shaping the future, envisioning a Life 3.0 society of diversity, inclusivity, and boundless education. Vice President Sheng-Ju Chan remarked, “The University of the Third Life is not merely an educational project but also a cross-generational platform where seniors and youth learn together, inspire one another, and create new values in education.”

In addition, the USR (University Social Responsibility) team, led by Dean of Student Affairs Lung-Chuan Lu, showcased outcomes including the “Alishan Tsou Cultural and Tribal Industry Sustainable Talent Development Project” and the “Co-creating a Happy Life for the Elderly: Interdisciplinary Human Rights Practice Program.” These initiatives highlighted CCU’s diverse practices in cultural preservation, innovation in tribal industry, and care for the elderly. Dean Lu emphasized, “USR is not only the University’s social responsibility but also an opportunity for young students to step into communities, understand local needs, and create solutions. Through action, they cultivate both professional skills and social empathy, truly realizing the integration of learning and practice.”

By participating in SDG Asia 2025, CCU not only demonstrated its educational and research achievements but also sought to foster dialogue with domestic and international industry and social partners. Together, these collaborations aimed to promote sustainable development and move toward the 2050 net-zero goal.