Chula Ph.D. Student Selected for UN SDSN Youth 2026 Local Pathways Fellowship

Chulalongkorn University congratulates Mr. Yingyilong Hu, a Ph.D. candidate from the Department of Lifelong Education, Faculty of Education, on being selected as a recipient of the SDSN Youth Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) 2026, an initiative under the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Youth). This year, he was chosen as one of the fellows from a highly competitive pool of 1,594 applicants worldwide, with his project representing the Southeast Asian region. 

Mr. Hu’s selected project, titled “The Dolphin as a Catalyst: Bridging SDG 11 and Biodiversity in Coastal Megacities between Haikou, China, and Bangkok, Thailand,” addresses the complex challenges faced by coastal megacities at the intersection of urban development, marine ecosystems, and community livelihoods. Focusing on Haikou and Bangkok, the project highlights the urgent need to protect endangered marine species—such as the Chinese White Dolphin and the Pink Dolphin—whose habitats are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization, marine pollution, and unsustainable coastal activities.

The project advances the integration of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). It emphasizes marine education, community engagement, and urban resilience as pathways toward sustainable and inclusive coastal development. 

Mr. Hu’s academic interests include lifelong education, marine education, education for sustainable development, museum education, and community-based studies. His previous achievements include winning the 19th “Chunhui Cup” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Chinese Overseas Students and participating in the 2024 “Chunhui Plan” Short-term Return Service Project, co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China. 

He has also presented his research titled “The Rebirth of Museum Education: Echoing of Smart Education” at the Beijing Zhongguancun International Innovation Center to senior representatives from leading institutions and government bodies, highlighting the role of lifelong education in shaping future learning systems. 

Mr. Hu’s accomplishments reflect his firm commitment to advancing lifelong education as a foundation for cultivating responsible global citizens. His work exemplifies Chulalongkorn University’s mission to promote sustainable development through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement—empowering future generations to create meaningful impact worldwide.