Serving as a critical regional bridge, the Beijing Center leverages Columbia's cutting-edge, world-class research capabilities to launch China-focused projects on the issues of sustainability and environmental protection; it strives to highlight potential solutions specific to China's unique state of economic development. Working with SEAS, the Center on Global Energy Policy, and other participants, the Beijing Center is organizing discussions and facilitating collaborations to further the bilateral cooperation between Columbia and China.
In 2021, responding to the energy needs, climate change challenges and opportunities in green technologies among emerging Asian nations, the Beijing Center developed a Global Seminar Series titled on Energy and Climate Change in Emerging Asia, in partnership with Columbia SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy and the Mumbai Center. Common energy needs and differing climate change challenges among emerging Asian countries were the focus of discussions. More than 200 students and 400 others participated in local live streaming events that were designed to enhance understanding of issues via in-depth comparative analyses and help train their analytical and research skills.