PolyU hosts University Alliance of the Silk Road Presidents’ Forum cum Executive Council Meeting 2024

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Presidents’ Forum cum Executive Council Meeting 2024, as the Rotating President of the UASR, attracting representatives from nine universities across six countries. With the theme “Global Engagement Strategies along the Silk Road”, the Forum brought together UASR Executive Council members to share insights in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, synergise resources for educational development and talent cultivation, and provide collaborative opportunities in promoting the development of higher education in the Belt and Road countries.

The officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Nicholas HO Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Prof. ZHANG Liqun, President of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU).

Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-chi stated, “The HKSAR Government will continue to promote educational exchange and talent development under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through the diverse and comprehensive network of scholarships, education partners like the UASR, and talent platforms along the Belt and Road countries, we look forward to cultivating a long-term Belt and Road talent pool that will help drive stability, economic development and common prosperity for all.”

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “PolyU is committed to fostering talent development, impactful research, and knowledge transfer for the sustainable advancement of the Belt and Road countries and regions. PolyU was privileged to co-found UASR alongside XJTU in 2015. We hope to engage with the top management representatives from UASR Executive Council member institutions to align our strategic goals and create a unified approach to addressing common challenges in higher education, as well as driving innovation and academic advancement across the Belt and Road.”

Prof. Zhang Liqun remarked, “As the Chairing Institution and Permanent Secretariat of the UASR, XJTU is committed to fostering collaboration among UASR members and strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to effectively serve all member institutions. Adhering to the principles of mutual consultation, collaboration, and shared benefits, XJTU will continue to collaborate with all partners to promote the sustainable development of the alliance and contribute to the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

A number of distinguished guests delivered speeches at the Forum (in alphabetical order of institution): Prof. Aliya AKTYMBAYEVA, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovative Activities for Sustainable Development of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Prof. Jiecai HAN, President of the Harbin Institute of Technology; Prof. Osman HASAN, Pro-Rector (Academics) of the National University of Sciences and Technology; Prof. Ilaria VALENTE, Vice Rector for International Affairs of the Politecnico di Milano; Prof. Yusuf LEBLEBICI, President of the Sabancı University; Prof. Michael HUI, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of the University of Macau; and Prof. Dejan MADIĆ, Rector of the University of Novi Sad. Also in attendance from PolyU were Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben YOUNG, and Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) Prof. Geoffrey SHEN.

During the Forum, speakers shared valuable insights and effective strategies regarding regional academic exchanges and research partnerships aimed at furthering Belt and Road initiatives. Conversations focused on global engagement strategies, collaboration between industry and academia, partnerships among member institutions, and future UASR development.

Jointly established by PolyU and XJTU in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among members institutions along the Belt and Road.

***END***