Tzu Chi Foundation presents the theme "In Tune with the World, United for the Common Good" at the 2025 (4th) SDGs Asia, held from September 11 to 13. | Photo: Fu-Chiang Yen (顏福江)

The 2025 SDG Asia, held in Taipei from September 11 to 13, brought together nearly 200 organizations from government, business, academia, and the nonprofit sector. Among the participants, the Tzu Chi Foundation presented a comprehensive look at how sustainable practices can be woven into daily life and community action, focusing on the real-world impact for individuals and communities.

The exhibition mapped out eight key areas of action: net-zero emissions, circular economy, green architecture, sustainable education, social inclusion, disaster response, health promotion, and humanistic care. Interactive displays and real-life case studies allowed visitors to see how these principles are put into practice, from local neighborhoods to international relief efforts.

Tzu Chi Foundation’s exhibition highlights its practical achievements and global influence in environmental, social, and governance (ESG). | Photo: Fu-Chiang Yen

Disaster Resilience: From Relief to Empowerment

Tzu Chi’s evolving disaster relief model emphasizes not just rapid response, but long-term community empowerment. The Foundation’s approach combines compassion, education, and technology to build resilience before, during, and after disasters. Community disaster preparedness is promoted through daily habits, educational programs, and the development of comprehensive care networks.

Innovations such as the One-Minute Indoor Shelter System—quickly assembled, privacy-conscious shelters made from recycled materials—are recognized by U.S. charities as reserve supplies for post-disaster emergency use. The Tzu Chi Survival Kit, in collaboration with S.SELECT LAB, further demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to practical, compassionate disaster relief.

As of June 2025, Tzu Chi has built 23,258 Great Love Homes in 18 countries and regions, providing safe, culturally respectful, and environmentally sustainable housing for families affected by disasters.

International Aid: Supporting Recovery and Sustainability

Tzu Chi’s international relief efforts were highlighted through case studies from Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Malawi:

  • Mozambique: Since Cyclone Idai in 2019, Tzu Chi has supported communities with new homes, schools, hot meals, Great Love Farms, food distribution, vocational training, women’s health programs, water projects, tutoring, and scholarships. These initiatives help communities recover and build a sustainable future.
  • Sierra Leone: In 2024, over 850,000 kg of food reached 11,700 families. Emergency relief, vocational training (including sewing classes for women), hygiene support, and local rice procurement empower communities and support local farmers.
  • Malawi: Since 2018, Tzu Chi has rebuilt 15 villages, promoted sustainable farming, and provided youth development and nutrition support. Villagers receive seeds, tools, and training, enabling self-sufficiency and community giving.

In Mozambique, a plethora of opportunities are being created for the communities through sewing classes, construction training, and growing food crops through the Great Love Farm project. | Photos: Tzu Chi Foundation

Education and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Tzu Chi’s educational mission integrates sustainability and social responsibility at every level. Tzu Chi University (TCU) partners with industry, government, and academia to advance SDG initiatives and innovative teaching. Projects include:

  • Composting Toilets: TCU promotes DIY dry composting toilets for disaster preparedness, turning waste into compost within six months. These are taught through hands-on courses, empowering international students to bring solutions back to their communities.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: The university encourages DIY rainwater harvesting systems for disaster readiness and sustainable water management, supporting hygiene and resilience during water shortages.

DIY dry composting toilets and rainwater harvesting systems can be easily constructed in any location to provide disaster readiness. | Photos: Tzu Chi Foundation

Compassionate Technology and Sustainable Aid

Tzu Chi’s relief supplies, such as eco-friendly materials and nutritious plant-based Jing Si Foods, are designed to meet urgent needs in disaster zones while supporting survivors with care and dignity. The Foundation’s digital transformation—electronic medical records, e-prescriptions, and AI-driven health services—makes healthcare more sustainable and inclusive.

Building a Network for Good

As of May 2025, Tzu Chi has signed MOUs with 22 counties and cities, partnered with 16 organizations, collaborated with 5 schools, engaged with 96 companies for corporate goodness, and connected with over 50,000 “Stores with Love.” These partnerships strengthen disaster preparedness education, community engagement, and support for vulnerable groups.

Tzu Chi hopes to convey that sustainability is not just about policy and technology, but about the choices and values of every individual. | Photo: Fu-Chiang Yen

A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Active in 68 countries, Tzu Chi supports humanitarian aid, education, senior care, and community development, while advancing digital innovation and environmental action. The Foundation is committed to achieving net-zero by 2050, implementing carbon reduction, renewable energy, and plant-based initiatives—putting Buddhist values into action for a hopeful, sustainable future.

"In Tune with the World, United for the Common Good" is not only the theme of Tzu Chi’s exhibition, but also the Foundation’s long-term guiding principle. | Photo: Fu-Chiang Yen

Written by Sunny Yen (顏福江), Yu-Chen Pan (潘俞臻)

Source: 2025亞太永續博覽會 從慈濟的當責與行動看見影響世界的力量