With the ongoing expansion of economic and educational globalization, China has been forging increasingly close ties with the rest of the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of building a new type of international relations and advancing the development of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Today’s world faces a range of daunting challenges—including resource shortages, environmental pollution, climate change, recurring disasters, pandemics, and unequal access to education. In response to such challenges, interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation across the global community is a crucial necessity.

In response, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has launched the Global Challenge Program, taking the lead as a top-tier university in developing high-caliber talent. The program aims to foster a sense of responsibility and commitment in students by motivating them to take part in shaping a shared future for humanity. Doing so also helps students broaden their international perspective and enriches their cross-cultural experiences.

During the program, participants engage in fieldwork and practical research in challenging settings. Such immersive experiences not only deepen students’ appreciation of diverse civilizations, but also spark creativity, unlock their potential, and enhance their ability to analyze a wide range of issues and propose viable solutions—ultimately strengthening their global competence.

The Global Challenge Program consists of several projects. In each project, international SJTU students collaborate with peers around the world to carry out two to eight week field studies in underdeveloped regions of China or in developing countries across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The teams tackle globally relevant issues such as water scarcity, food security, and sustainable waste management.

Research activities include field surveys, policy analysis, and the design and application of actionable proposals. The program encourages students not only to offer feasible solutions but also to help ensure they are implemented effectively.