2026 Doughnut Economics Summer Workshop in Sun Yat-sen University (Past)
Prof. Shao organized the first Doughnut Economics Summer Workshop in 2026, students are from the U.S., Europe, and China
Posted by Qinglong Shao
Please Note: This event has now finished and can no longer be joined.
The 2026 Doughnut Economics Summer Workshop at Sun Yat-sen University brought together learning, city case studies, practical exploration and public engagement to explore a central question: how can we meet everyone’s needs within the means of our living planet?
Organised by Prof. Qinglong Shao and his research team, the workshop introduced Doughnut Economics as a framework for understanding the relationship between social foundations and ecological ceilings. Participants explored how this framework can inform sustainability assessment and action in Chinese cities, drawing on experiences from around the world.
The programme combined five main activities:
• Thematic learning: Sessions introduced Doughnut Economics, planetary boundaries and social foundations, examining what a safe and just space means for urban development and human wellbeing.
• Global city case studies: Participants examined international applications of Doughnut Economics and discussed how ideas and approaches might be adapted to different local contexts, including China.
• Participant presentations: Group presentations provided opportunities to share learning, discuss findings and exchange ideas about applying the Doughnut framework.
• Visit to BYD’s global headquarters: A field visit connected workshop discussions with business practice, providing a setting to reflect on technological innovation, ecological pressures and the social dimensions of sustainability transitions.
• Public engagement at Shenzhen Book City: Outreach activities introduced Doughnut Economics and sustainability concepts to a wider audience, extending the conversation beyond the university.
Together, these activities connected conceptual learning with collaborative analysis, real-world observation and public communication. The programme was relevant to students, researchers and others interested in Doughnut Economics, ecological economics, urban sustainability and sustainability education. The Shenzhen Book City activities also engaged members of the public.
This was an in-person workshop associated with Sun Yat-sen University in Shenzhen, China, with off-campus activities at BYD’s global headquarters and Shenzhen Book City. The 2026 workshop has concluded, and this post shares its activities and experience with the DEAL community.
Four reports about the workshop were published through the official WeChat account of Sun Yat-sen University’s School of Ecology. These provide further documentation of the programme and its activities.
