From 25-27 November, the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF) hosted the “2024 International Seminar of FISU Healthy Campus” in Taipei City.
The seminar brought together university representatives from around the world to promote the FISU Healthy Campus Programme and exchange insights on implementing wellness initiatives that benefit campus communities and stakeholders. Participants included experts and leaders from universities holding the Healthy Campus Platinum Degree, FISU’s highest recognition for campuses promoting health and well-being.
The seminar provided a platform for these institutions to share their journeys, highlight best practices, and discuss opportunities that have emerged through the program. Keynote speakers included Professor Yung-Geun Han (Myongji University, Republic of Korea), Director Nick Lambert (La Trobe University, Australia), Professor Marc Poulin (University of Calgary, Canada) and Director Yann Bernardini (University of Geneva, Switzerland).
The opening of the seminar was attended by Maggie Hsiu-Ling Hsu, from the Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education, who welcomed everyone and showed her satisfaction in receiving the distinguished guests, Professor Shu-Yin Wang, President of CTUSF who spoke about the objectives of the Seminar and engagement in the FISU Programme, and Fernando Parente, Deputy Secretary General/CDO of FISU, who oversees the Healthy Campus Programme. Special contributions came from Duarte Lopes (Portugal) and Martin Doulton (Australia), Senior FISU Executive Committee member, who coordinated the final panel discussion of the seminar.
The speakers provided diverse perspectives on the impact of the Healthy Campus Programme. Professor Yung-Geun Han highlighted the programme’s impact on Myongji University, citing “improvements in student satisfaction, campus pride, local community engagement, and the university’s international reputation”. Director Nick Lambert shared La Trobe University’s experience, emphasising “alignment with the university’s strategic vision, the programme’s role in meeting high visitor demand for its facilities, and the value of FISU’s international recognition”.
Key insights from experts
Professor Marc Poulin described how the University of Calgary integrated students into the programme’s operations, enhancing “research opportunities and showcasing the university’s strengths to the global community”. Director Yann Bernardini noted how the “University of Geneva leveraged the programme to foster internal collaboration and enhance international prestige”, highlighting the vital role of student participation in driving initiatives. Duarte Lopes referred to the leadership of Portugal in the Healthy Campus Programme, with eight Platinum-certified universities. He attributed this success to established quality certification practices and the dedication of campus teams.
Celebrating new achievements
The seminar recognised three Chinese universities in Taipei that have obtained Healthy Campus Certification from the University of Chinese Culture, National Cheng Kung University and NTU of Science and Technology.
The event also included a guided tour of the University of Chinese Culture, led by Professor Shu-Yin Wang. Participants explored the Healthy Campus Programme’s exemplary implementation on campus, including its state-of-the-art sports facilities, which hosted volleyball competitions during the 2017 Summer Universiade, an outstanding legacy of an event that featured 22 sports across 70 venues and more. of 10,657 participants from 134 countries.
Fostering Future Collaborations
The 2024 International Seminar of FISU Healthy Campus reaffirmed the importance of health and wellness in higher education. By showcasing successes and fostering international collaboration, the seminar laid the groundwork for expanding the Healthy Campus Programme and inspiring universities worldwide to prioritise the well-being of their communities.
Ching-Yu Tseng, Member of FISU Executive Committee, fifth from the left side, with the international guests that he received during the Seminar and Cultural Visit.
As universities continue to embrace FISU’s vision, the programme’s global impact on health, education, and innovation is set to grow, enhancing the lives of students, staff, and stakeholders alike.
Text and pictures by Fernando Parente
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