Upcoming Global Activities
APRU SCL Conference
The APRU SCL Conference brings together students and members to explore the various initiatives offered by APRU SCL.
Climate Change Simulation
In 2024, during last year's immersive experience, 192 student participants and 45 faculty experts from 20 APRU universities took on the role of a country’s delegate in United Nations climate negotiations. Working alongside peers worldwide, and navigating global climate policy, this was more than just a simulation. Participants were able to develop real-world skills, network with professionals, enhance their resumes, and so much more. For more information on the 2025 climate change simulation, follow the link to the APRU website.
Past Global Activities
APRU Biodiversity for Sustainable Cities Webinar Series 2024
October 15, 6:30 p.m. Pacific / October 16, 9:30 a.m. Hong Kong/Singapore. Discover the APRU Biodiversity for Sustainable Cities Webinar Series 2024, jointly organized by the APRU Biodiversity and the APRU Sustainable Cities & Landscapes Programs, in partnership with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and The University of Sydney. This series tackles the pressing issue of biodiversity loss in urban environments, convening researchers, practitioners, educators, students, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions. Dive into discussions on integrating biodiversity conservation into urban development strategies for a sustainable future.
Speakers:
- Prof. Gail Langellotto, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, “Cultivating Biodiversity in Small Spaces: Plants, People, and Practices”
- Dr. Sohyun Park, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Connecticut, “Biodiversity-Positive Design: Empirical Evidence and Case Studies”
- Ms. Jennifer Rae Pierce, Co-founder and COO, Urban Biodiversity Hub, PhD Candidate at University of British Columbia in the department of Community and Regional Planning
Moderator:
Prof. Yekang Ko, School of Architecture & Environment, University of Oregon
Discussion with Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson about their book
October 22, 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time / October 23, 9:30 a.m. Hong Kong/ Singapore. This will be an engaging webinar discussion, featuring Nico Larco, Professor of Architecture, and Kaarin Knudson, AIA, as they talk about their latest publication, “The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook.” This comprehensive handbook builds upon their extensive research and gathers best practices from various disciplines to advance sustainable urban design principles. In an era where urban areas host over half of the global population and face increasing climate uncertainties, this handbook provides a crucial framework for design and planning professionals, community stakeholders, students, and policymakers striving to create sustainable communities for the future.
Speakers:
- Prof. Nico Larco, School of Architecture and Environment, Director of Urbanism Next Center, University of Oregon, US
- Kaarin Knudson, Mayor of the City of Eugene, US
Moderator:
- Prof. Paola Boarin, School of Architecture and Planning, Director of the Future Cities Research Hub, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Watch the Discussion with Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson Webinar
2024 Climate Change Simulation
During last year's immersive experience, 192 student participants and 45 faculty experts from 20 APRU universities took on the role of a country’s delegate in United Nations climate negotiations. Working alongside peers worldwide, and navigating global climate policy, this was more than just a simulation. Participants were able to develop real-world skills, network with professionals, and enhance their resumes.
Live Webinar Series
The APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes brings researchers and scholars together from across the Pacific Rim to engage in cross-cultural conversations around climate justice, sustainability, and social equity. Tune in to our biweekly webinar sessions this fall to learn how cities around the world are working towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in their own contexts. Learn more about each webinar session.
Topics Include:
- Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Overview
- Vulnerable Communities and Climate Justice
- Water, Waste Water, and Sanitation
- Coastal and Intertidal Zones
- Energy
- Smart Cities
- Landscapes and Health
- Children, Youth and Environment
- Community Design Activism
This webinar series is led by the APRU Sustainable Cities & Landscapes Program based at University of Oregon alongside The University of Auckland, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and Arizona State University, in addition to six additional participating APRU member institutions.