Seminario sobre Gestión y Eficiencia Energética Nacional de Ecuador
Edgar Hernán Cando Narváez
（Ecuador）
Returning to China to participate in the Seminar on National Energy Management and Energy Efficiency for Ecuador was much more than attending an academic program; it was a journey back to a country that profoundly shaped my life and my professional career. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a place that I have always admired and to witness once again its extraordinary transformation.
I currently serve as the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, one of Ecuador's leading universities. An important part of my academic journey took place in China, where I earned my Ph.D. in Energy Engineering and Thermophysical Engineering from Tsinghua University eight years ago. Returning after all this time allowed me to see how a country that was already progressing at an impressive pace continues to evolve with determination, vision, and confidence.
What impressed me most was realizing that China has never stopped moving forward. In only a few years, I observed remarkable improvements in infrastructure, transportation systems, urban planning, and public services. At the same time, digital technologies have transformed everyday life, making transportation, payments, public services, and commerce more efficient, convenient, and accessible.
Yet, what makes China's progress truly exceptional is that modernization has never come at the expense of its identity. Despite its extraordinary economic, technological, and social development, China has preserved its rich history, traditions, and cultural heritage. Walking through its cities, one can admire ancient temples standing alongside modern skylines, experiencing a unique harmony between tradition and innovation. I believe this ability to embrace the future while preserving the essence of its culture is one of China's greatest strengths and an inspiration for many countries around the world.
Another aspect that touched me deeply was the kindness of the Chinese people. During my years as a doctoral student, I experienced their generosity and hospitality every day, and I was delighted to find that this spirit remains unchanged. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with respect, warmth, professionalism, and a genuine willingness to help. Their friendliness, humility, and sense of community create an environment where visitors feel truly welcome.
Beyond the remarkable infrastructure and technological achievements, what I have always admired most about China is its work ethic. During my years at Tsinghua University, I learned that discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence are not simply words. They are values that are reflected in everyday life. Returning after eight years reminded me that these principles continue to drive the country's progress. In my opinion, this culture of hard work, continuous improvement, and collective commitment is one of the fundamental reasons behind China's extraordinary development. These lessons have remained with me throughout my professional career, and today I strive to pass them on to my students, colleagues, and future engineers in Ecuador.
The seminar was an outstanding opportunity to learn about China's achievements in energy management, energy efficiency, industrial development, and sustainable technologies. Beyond the valuable technical knowledge, the program encouraged meaningful discussions and the exchange of experiences among participants from different countries. It demonstrated how knowledge sharing and international cooperation can contribute to solving the global energy challenges that we all face.
As a professor, researcher, and academic leader, I firmly believe that the knowledge gained during this seminar will help strengthen the relationship between Ecuador and China. It has created new opportunities for collaboration in higher education, scientific research, technological innovation, industrial development, and sustainable energy. I am convinced that the friendships, ideas, and professional connections established during this program will lead to future academic and research partnerships that will benefit both countries.
Returning to China also meant returning to the place where I developed not only my scientific knowledge but also many of the values that continue to guide my life. Tsinghua University gave me an outstanding education, but it also taught me the importance of discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Eight years later, I leave China once again inspired by its continuous progress, by the resilience and dedication of its people, and by its remarkable ability to innovate while remaining deeply connected to its cultural roots.
This experience has strengthened my admiration for China and reinforced my commitment to building stronger bridges between Ecuador and China through education, research, innovation, and scientific cooperation. I sincerely believe that by working together and sharing knowledge, our two countries can contribute to a more sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future.
China will always hold a special place in my heart not only because it shaped my academic journey, but because it taught me that vision, hard work, and respect for culture are the true foundations of lasting development.
