On November 11, during the centenary celebration of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), the Global Forum of University Presidents, themed "Fostering a Shared Future: Embracing Inclusion and Innovation," was successfully held at Guangzhou campus of SYSU.

Group photo of the guests present

Gathered at the forum were presidents from 43 prestigious universities across the globe, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, the University of Macao, the University of Washington, the University of Birmingham, the University of Queensland, and Kyoto University. Additionally, heads of authoritative organizations, associations, and alliances such as the Association of American Colleges and Universities, along with nearly a hundred experts and scholars, participated. The gathering aimed to deliberate on the roles and responsibilities of universities in today's diverse and interconnected world.

Opening ceremony

At the opening ceremony, Gao Song, president of SYSU and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out in his opening address that SYSU has always been open-minded and active in international cooperation. As of today, the university has forged extensive cooperative relationships with 290 universities, research institutions, and international organizations in over 40 countries and regions worldwide.

Gao proposed that a new wave of technological and industrial transformation is advancing rapidly, universities and institutions worldwide ought to uphold the principle of openness and shared growth, amplify the role in driving innovation and integration, and deepen collective responsibility to shape a better future.

Gao Song, president of SYSU, delivers his opening speech.

Yang Dan, director-general of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Ministry of Education, emphasized that education is the solution to resolving contradictions and conflicts. He added that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principles of giving priority to education, pursuing innovative development, open development, and high-quality development. China's door of openness will only open wider and wider, and never close. Yang called on universities around the world to work together to create a more intelligent, humane, and international future for universities.

Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange Ministry of Education Yang Dan delivers a speech.

Jean-Marie Lehn, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and professor at the University of Strasbourg, affirmed the significant role of universities in today's societal development and emphasized the importance of long-term international cooperation for scientific research development. He urged participants to harness technology wisely but not be constrained by it, to concentrate efforts on developing the best ideas, and to contribute to humanity's knowledge exploration.

Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Professor Jean-Marie Lehn delivers a speech.

In the keynote speech session, eight distinguished university presidents and prestigious scholars, including Professor Li Luming, president of Tsinghua University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Gilda Barabino, president of Olin College of Engineering, Professor Susumu Kitagawa, executive vice-president of Kyoto University, Professor Duan Chongzhi, vice-chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Anja Geitmann, vice-principal of McGill University, Professor Hélène Boulanger, president of Université Lorraine, Professor Daya Reddy, former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, and Professor Lu Gaoqing, president of the University of Surrey and foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared their unique insights on artificial intelligence in higher education, global university cooperation, and inclusivity in academic research.

President of Tsinghua University Li Luming delivers a speech.

President of Olin College of Engineering in the United States Gilda Barabino delivers a speech.

In the sub-forums, scholars expressed their views on topics including artificial intelligence and higher education, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area., facilitating rich exchanges among scholars at home and abroad on pioneering practices and experiences on higher education.

In his closing remarks at the forum, Gao expressed heartfelt gratitude to all guests for their invaluable insights and experiences. He said that SYSU will empower education with AI and interdisciplinary collaboration, boost sustainable development by cultivating talents and driving Innovation, and leveraging the influence of leading research universities to foster cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.

GAO said that Sun Yat-sen University, standing at a new start point for the next 100 years, will endeavor to strengthen international exchange with universities, research institutions, and businesses around the world, and advance high-level cooperation on education, science and technology, as well as culture, so as to contribute to a better future for humanity.

Closing ceremony