(Text and Photo Contributors: Xie Yuqian, Yuan Xiaohui, Wang Peng) The 22nd China International Talent Exchange Conference and the University Partners Summit 2024 were held successively in Shanghai and Hangzhou from November 2 to 3. Beihang University President Wang Yunpeng attended the meetings, engaging in in-depth discussions with leaders and scholars from 57 universities across 31 countries and regions to promote friendly cooperation and foster an international education framework at Beihang.
The University Partners Summit 2024 was successfully held
As one of the 21 co-host universities of the 22nd China International Talent Exchange Conference, Beihang held its Hangzhou sub-forum and University Partners Summit 2024 on November 3 at its Hangzhou International Campus.
Quoting the Chinese saying, “It is a pleasure to have friends coming from afar,” President Wang Yunpeng met with distinguished guests, including Ahmed Alraeesi, President of the United Arab Emirates University, Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni, President of the University of Venda in South Africa, Enrique Sosa, President of Aeronautical University of Queretaro in Mexico, Carlos Guedes Soares, Fellow of the Portuguese Academy of Engineering and Professor at the University of Lisbon, and Zhuge Yan, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and Professor at the University of South Australia. They were joined by 18 academic leaders and international experts from the UAE, South Africa, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Egypt, and Turkey. The atmosphere was lively as both sides engaged in cordial discussions.
Wang Yunpeng warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to the guests attending the summit. He noted that 2024 marked the 72nd anniversary of Beihang’s founding. Throughout its journey, Beihang has embedded “inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration” into its core values. These principles have fostered a conducive environment for the university’s scientific research and talent development initiatives, resulting in remarkable achievements. Over the years, Beihang has formed strong, trusting partnerships with over 200 universities and research institutions across six continents, actively participating in the global higher education landscape. He highlighted that in today’s rapidly globalizing world, the trend of integrated growth and collaborative success in higher education is even more apparent. He hoped the summit would further deepen friendships, strengthen consensus, and explore new collaborative avenues with partner institutions, embracing a spirit of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration to envision a bright future for global higher education.
The attending guests spoke in turn. “Old friends” of Beihang reflected on fruitful collaborations in student exchanges, joint programs, faculty visits, and research partnerships. They strongly desired to use this summit to initiate deeper, multifaceted collaborations to address global challenges. “New partners” introduced their institutions’ unique strengths and goals, eager to leverage this high-level platform to build stronger partnerships with Beihang and to forge new paths in inter-institutional collaboration and development.
On the morning of November 3, the opening ceremony of the Beihang Sub-Forum of the 22nd China International Talent Exchange Conference and the “University Partners Summit Hangzhou 2024” was held in the Lecture Hall of the Conference Center at the Beihang Hangzhou International Campus. The ceremony was attended by Xu Chaofeng, Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xu Weihua, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government, Shu Peidong, Deputy Director of the Education Department of Zhejiang Province, Li Juanjuan, Second-Level Inspector at the Department of Foreign Expert Services of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Wang Yunpeng, President of Beihang University, Zhao Weisheng, Vice President of Beihang University, Zhang Hailan, former Vice President of Beihang University, Sun Qingfeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of H3I, Hong Guanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of H3I, and Frédéric GENTY, the French Dean of Zhongfa Aviation Institute of Beihang University.
The summit, themed “Building Inclusive, Innovative, and Collaborative Sustainable Partnerships,” invited nearly 80 experts and scholars from 31 countries and regions across five continents. Participants included representatives from 57 universities, such as Northwestern University, Stanford University, University College London, and Université Paris-Saclay, along with over 20 leaders from international organizations and five research institutes, including the French National Center for Astronomy.
Wang Yunpeng extended a warm welcome and sincere greetings to the participants. He also expressed Beihang University’s dedication to establishing and deepening collaborations with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. He emphasized that the university’s global partnerships continued to expand, underpinned by the core values of “inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration,” which had become the defining characteristics of Beihang’s culture and spirit. As globalization accelerates, these values are increasingly crucial for fostering future cooperation. He urged participants to approach the world with openness and trust, enhance mutual understanding, and foster friendships to create a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Encouraging innovative thinking and breaking conventional patterns, Wang Yunpeng emphasized the importance of creating new ideas and solutions that contribute to global higher education collaboration. He called on everyone to seize partnership opportunities, expand areas of cooperation, and work together to advance education, technology, and people-to-people exchange. Wang Yunpeng invited attendees to use the summit as a platform to explore the theme of “Building an Inclusive, Innovative, and Collaborative Sustainable Global Partnership Network,” fostering closer ties, envisioning the future, and finding new opportunities for collaboration. He said they could contribute to global educational progress and technological advancement by facing global challenges together.
On behalf of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xu Chaofeng extended warm congratulations on convening this summit. He emphasized that international cooperation and exchange were vital forces driving technological innovation and industry advancement in today’s rapid globalization and digital transformation era. He highlighted that the summit’s theme aligned with current global scientific and technological collaboration and industrial innovation trends and reflected Beihang University’s forward-looking vision and openness as a globally recognized institution. Xu Chaofeng hoped that Beihang would further strengthen collaborations with partner universities and research institutions, focusing on building international scientific and technological cooperation platforms in key areas. By leveraging diverse strengths, Beihang could establish high-level, high-quality platforms for global academic exchange, expand its international vision to create a talent development framework with a global outlook and foster new models integrating industry with academia and research. He encouraged all participants to use this summit to deepen cooperation, strengthen communication, and collectively address global challenges while sharing development opportunities.
In his speech, Shu Peidong noted that as a pioneer of China’s reform and opening-up, Zhejiang Province has consistently prioritized educational openness to the world, striving to establish itself as a leader in high-quality international education development. Beihang University, as one of China’s premier institutions, has always been at the forefront of international exchange and collaboration and is dedicated to building a global higher education community. This vision aligns closely with Zhejiang’s goals of openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation in education. Beyond establishing distinctive platforms for international collaboration and university-local integration, Shu highlighted the commitment to further deepening cooperation to achieve greater outcomes. Zhejiang Province looks forward to working alongside Beihang and global partners to share opportunities, meet challenges, and collectively advance a new chapter in international collaboration and exchange.
Xu Weihua highlighted that “post-Asian Games, a two-trillion-yuan economy, and a mega-city” represented starting points for Hangzhou’s journey in building a “New Hangzhou” for the modern era. In recent years, Hangzhou has focused on becoming a comprehensive national science center and a top choice for technological achievements, spearheading innovation and scientific development under a nationally coordinated approach. The city has vigorously implemented a talent-driven strategy, advancing the “Science, Education, and Talent Climb Action Plan” and fostering an ideal talent ecosystem. Xu Weihua expressed hope that Beihang University would continue to leverage its strengths and deepen cooperation with Hangzhou in building high-level science and technology innovation platforms, driving industrial transformation and upgrading, and facilitating the commercialization of low-altitude economy innovations. They aim to create a narrative of mutual progress and shared achievement between the renowned city and the university.
The opening ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Sino-French Laboratory for Mathematics, the International Talent Base for Intelligent Transport Innovation, and the International Education Center of Beihang University, along with the signing of a series of cooperation agreements. The Sino-French Laboratory for Mathematics is set to engage in fundamental mathematics research to advance the global scientific frontier and applied mathematics research addressing key national needs. The lab seeks to produce original foundational achievements in mathematics, foster interdisciplinary innovation in applied mathematics, and gradually establish itself as a mathematics hub of significant international influence in specialized areas.
The International Talent Base for Intelligent Transport Innovation will be anchored at Beihang University, leveraging over ten national and provincial research platforms, including the National Key Laboratory for Intelligent Transportation with Integrated Vehicle-Road Systems. The base aims to advance cutting-edge research in the field and cultivate internationally oriented talent by focusing on three main areas—intelligent vehicles, intelligent transportation infrastructure, and smart vehicle-road coordination
A collegiate system, cross-cultural integration, and industry-academia collaboration characterize the International Education Center of Beihang University. It oversees the implementation of international student education programs at Beihang’s Hangzhou International Campus, aiming to expand the scale and capacity of its international student education. The center is establishing a full English-medium curriculum and professional programs, leveraging its strong disciplines and scientific-educational platforms. Additionally, it provides Beihang students with more structured and extensive opportunities for dual-degree and exchange programs.
Gürkan Kumbaroğlu, Vice President of Turkey’s Boğaziçi University, and Zhao Weisheng, representing Beihang University, jointly signed the “Student Exchange Agreement between Beihang University and Boğaziçi University.” According to the agreement, the two universities will initiate a high-level inter-university student exchange program based on “mutual recognition of credits, tuition fee waivers, and reciprocal student exchanges.”
Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni, President of the University of Venda in South Africa, and Zhao Weisheng, representing Beihang University, jointly signed the “Memorandum of Cooperation between Beihang University and the University of Venda.” According to the agreement, the two universities will strengthen cooperation in areas such as establishing joint laboratories, enhancing faculty and student exchanges, jointly organizing academic conferences, and collaborating on the publication of research papers.
Enrique Sosa, President of the Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro in Mexico, and Hong Guanxin, Deputy Party Secretary and Director of H3I, jointly signed the “Memorandum of Cooperation between Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University and Aeronautical University of Queretaro in Mexico.” According to the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate in research and education, faculty exchanges, student exchange programs, and the joint organization of academic conferences.
After the opening ceremony, the keynote speeches and roundtable discussions proceeded smoothly. The keynote speech was hosted by Frédéric GENTY, the French Dean of Beihang University’s Zhongfa Aviation Institute, and the roundtable discussions were moderated by Shen Ping, a part-time professor at Beihang University’s International Education Center and President of the IEEE Photonics Society.
Beihang University Vice President Zhao Weisheng delivered a keynote titled “UPS International Development Strategy—Beihang’s Vision and Practice.” In his speech, he introduced Beihang University’s development vision and 72 years of exploration and practice in international cooperation, educational achievements, and scientific research contributions. He showcased Beihang’s status and influence as a world-renowned university and called for global higher education institutions to strengthen exchanges and cooperation. He emphasized the need to collectively address the complex challenges facing the world today and contribute more to global social and economic development.
Ahmed Alraeesi, the President of the United Arab Emirates University, emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in driving social and economic sustainability and innovation. He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates University prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, establishing close partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide. These collaborations have fostered academic exchanges and contributed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The university looks forward to deepening cooperation with Beihang University and other partners to build a prosperous and sustainable future.
Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni, President of the University of Venda in South Africa, highlighted the vital role of higher education in promoting social equity and inclusivity. He introduced the university’s background and the China-South Africa Joint Research Program. Nthambeleni emphasized that universities are not only centers of knowledge dissemination but also key drivers of social change and economic development. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration with Chinese universities in areas such as talent development and technological innovation, aiming to foster positive transformations in the education sector jointly.
Yang Liwei, the Vice President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, delivered a report titled “Strengthening Global Engagement and Internationalization at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.” In his presentation, he highlighted the university’s achievements in knowledge resource sharing, cultural exchange, scientific research, and interdisciplinary education. He also shared the university’s practice-oriented education approach, emphasizing project-based learning and internship opportunities that enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Yang expressed the university’s desire to further enhance its role in the global higher education arena through increased international collaboration and exchange.
Jose-Daniel Muñoz, the Vice President of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, presented a report highlighting the university’s achievements in international education cooperation and research collaboration. He emphasized that successful cooperation hinges on a shared vision, open communication, mutual trust, and a collaborative decision-making process. Muñoz proposed strengthening cooperation with partners like Beihang University in faculty exchanges, student mobility, joint training programs, and collaborative research, to foster innovation breakthroughs and promote sustainable development.
Gürkan Kumbaroğlu, the Vice President of the Boğaziçi Üniversitesi in Turkey, shared the university’s experience in enhancing educational quality and strengthening research capabilities through international exchange and collaboration. He emphasized that universities should actively respond to societal needs by fostering innovation in technology and knowledge to adapt to the rapidly changing world. Kumbaroğlu expressed hope that strengthening international cooperation would help promote closer connections between academia, industry, and government, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and driving technological innovation.
During the roundtable discussion, Alsnosy Mohamed Alsnosy Balbaa, Vice President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt, Enrique Sosa, President of Aeronautical University of Queretaro in Mexico, João Amaro de Matos, Vice President of New University of Lisbon in Portugal, Annie Colin, Vice President of École supérieure de physique et de chimie industrielles in France, and Margit Molnar, Director of the OECD China Economic Policy Research Center and OECD China Platform, engaged in a fruitful dialogue on the theme of global innovation, collaboration, and inclusive cooperation. The guests shared their countries’ experiences and challenges in promoting international collaboration, inclusive education, and interdisciplinary research. Alsnosy Mohamed Alsnosy Balbaa highlighted the deep historical ties between China and Egypt, emphasizing their potential for collaborative innovation and sustainable development. Enrique Sosa discussed the diversity of engineering projects at his university and the critical role of inclusivity in providing learning and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. João Amaro de Matos underscored the importance of inclusivity and diversity in higher education and shared the university’s international cooperation experiences in multicultural, interdisciplinary settings. Annie Colin spoke about the deep collaboration between her institution and Chinese universities in technology and research projects. Margit Molnar emphasized China’s achievements in international research collaboration, especially in fundamental research. From the IEEE Photonics Society, Shen Ping highlighted the need for interdisciplinary cooperation and communication in photonics, calling for closer collaboration between academia and industry to produce more highly skilled talents through education and training. The consensus among the participants was clear: only through inclusive innovation and cooperation in global education can we address the shared challenges we face and promote the sustainable development of global education and research.
During the summit, there were also seven thematic seminars and one bilateral meeting, addressing topics such as international aviation green energy, comparative global governance and multidimensional regional studies, new advances in mathematics, traffic information and infrastructure, soft matter and renewable energy, medical engineering, and engineering medicine.
Additionally, foreign experts visited the research laboratories at Beihang Hangzhou International Campus and the Liangzhu Museum, experiencing the intersection of technology and civilization firsthand.
Holding a high-level talent exchange meeting
During his visit to Hangzhou, Wang Yunpeng held a meeting with representatives of high-level talents. Vice President Zhao Weisheng, former Vice President Zhang Hailan, Chief Scientist of the China Commercial Aircraft Corporation-Beihang University Aircraft Research Center (Hangzhou) and former Executive Deputy Chief Designer of C919 and Chief Designer of C929, Chen Yingchun, Beihang University International Education Center Adjunct Professor and IEEE Photonics Society President, Shen Ping, Head of the Tianmushan Laboratory’s Aviation Industry Software Cross-Innovation Research Team and former Head of Industrial Software R&D at IBM (France), Zhao Yunpeng, and Professor Guo Shijun from Cranfield University, UK, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, attendees shared their innovative research, the transformation of research achievements in their respective fields, and their experiences in international talent cultivation. Wang Yunpeng expressed the hope of attracting more high-level talents to join Beihang Hangzhou International Campus. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the H3I as a platform to strengthen Sino-foreign cooperative education, accelerate talent recruitment and team building, and carry out high-level applied research for more high-quality scientific research outcomes focusing on frontier fields such as low-altitude economy and next-generation aviation technology. Wang Yunpeng also highlighted the importance of further planning and developing the International Education Center, establishing bilingual program cooperative platforms, and promoting the internationalization of the university. He stressed the university’s role in advancing the construction of a world-class university with Chinese characteristics. To ensure the success of these initiatives, he pledged to leverage the university’s resource advantages and provide high-quality management services.
At the meeting, Wang Yunpeng awarded letters of appointment to Chen Yingchun, Shen Ping, and Zhao Yunpeng.
(Approved by: Hong Guanxin, Zhang Wei, Xu Ran)
Edited by: Yuan Xiaohui
