On 22. July, 2026, the Book Launch of Dr. Harvey Dzodin’s book “Dreaming Dragons or Meddlesome Mandarins” and Forum on Environmental Protection, AI-Era Education, and Health Development Under Extreme Weather, were held at United Nations Office at Vienna in partnership with Beijing Dadijyuan International Education and Technology Development Group Co. Ltd. Senior United Nations officials, representatives of international organizations, distinguished experts and guests from education, science and technology, environmental protection, culture and healthcare gathered to exchange ideas on human development, environmental sustainability, global health, and sustainable development in the AI-era.
A highlight of the event was the official launch of Dr. Harvey Dzodin’s latest book, “Dreaming Dragons or Meddlesome Mandarins”. Drawing on his decades of experience in international affairs, journalism, media, and cross-cultural communication, Dr. Dzodin shared his perspectives on globalization, technological innovation, the rapid advancement of AI, and the challenges posed by climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Dr. Harvey Dzodin is President of the HCD Earthcare Culture Association, former Legal Advisor to U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and former Vice President of ABC Television. In his keynote address, he emphasized that the world is facing multiple global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, making environmental protection one of humanity’s most urgent shared responsibilities.
He stated: “There has never been a more urgent time to care for our planet. Environmental protection is not merely a slogan—it is a shared responsibility of all humanity.”
He called on the international community to strengthen global cooperation, develop and implement more effective environmental policies, and integrate environmental responsibility into legal, institutional, and public governance frameworks. Through concrete action and international collaboration, he said, humanity can better protect our shared home and create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Addressing the growing global ecological crisis, Dr. Dzodin quoted former U.S. President Harry Truman’s famous remark that “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” He then offered a powerful reflection that “today, when it comes to our fragile Earth, the problem is no longer that the kitchen is too hot, but is itself on fire.”
This vivid and thought-provoking metaphor resonated strongly with the audience, highlighting the reality that climate change, environmental degradation, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are no longer distant concerns but immediate global challenges requiring collective action. Dr. Dzodin called for stronger international cooperation, broader cross-sector collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of respecting, protecting, and living in harmony with nature in order to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.
During the forum, experts also held in-depth discussions on educational innovation in the age of AI, youth development, technology ethics, environmental protection, health promotion, and international cooperation. Participants agreed that, as AI continues to transform society, greater emphasis must be placed on cultivating independent thinking, creativity, social responsibility, and global citizenship among younger generations, ensuring that technological progress serves humanity and advances sustainable development.
The book launch and forum provided an important international platform for dialogue on AI, environmental protection, educational innovation, and public health. The event also strengthened collaboration across the fields of education, science and technology, culture, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation, contributing fresh ideas and practical approaches toward advancing the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, supporting global youth development, and preparing future generations with the vision, responsibility, and leadership needed in the age of AI.
At the event, the audience also enjoyed the colorful painting exhibition by artist Yuling Zhang.
(Article by HCD Earthcare Culture Association)
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