Higher education forum expands global network for tech innovation, sustainable development

The 2024 International Forum on Higher Education themed "Scienti¬fic and Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development" is held in Beijing from Oct. 12-13, 2024. (Photo/China Association of Higher Education)

(ECNS) -- The 2024 International Forum on Higher Education themed "Scienti¬fic and Technological Innovation and Sustainable Development" was held in Beijing from Saturday to Sunday, attracting nearly 500 guest representatives from over 30 countries and regions.

This forum focuses on technological innovation and sustainable development, which is of great significance in promoting the development of global higher education, said Vice Minister of Education of China Wu Yan at the opening ceremony, adding that in addressing common challenges, Chinese universities are willing to share insights and deepen practical cooperation with higher educational institutions from around the world.

Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has signed university-level cooperation agreements with more than 400 universities globally and established partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the International Civil Aviation Organization, said Zhang Jun, vice president of China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), Party secretary of BIT, and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, at the forum.

Josep Maria Garrell, president of the European University Association (EUA), said EUA expects to cooperate with CAHE and more organizations and universities worldwide, to jointly promote the flow of talent and the sharing of knowledge between China and Europe.

During the forum, Vice President of CAHE Lin Huiqing and the Salvadoran higher education delegation exchanged views on cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and El Salvador.

Besides, several Chinese and foreign universities reached cooperation intentions during the event. Universities including BIT signed memorandums of understanding and student exchange agreements with those from the United States, Cuba, El Salvador, Qatar, and South Korea.

The 2024 International Forum on Higher Education is a key branded event of CAHE and has successfully convened 23 sessions.

This year's forum is co-hosted by the CAHE and BIT, with support from institutions such as UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Language and Culture University, and the UNESCO Chair of higher education for the Asia-Pacific Region.