Peking University, May 18, 2023: In a bid to strengthen ties and foster academic collaboration, Michael Spence, president and provost  of University College London (UCL) led a delegation to Peking University (PKU) on May 17, 2023. 

President Spence was hosted by President Gong Qihuang of Peking University at Linhuxuan, where the two school leaders engaged in fruitful discussions regarding talent development, educational partnerships, and academic exchanges. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming the two institutions’ commitment to deeper collaboration.

Gong expressed his warm welcome to Spence and his delegation. He took the opportunity to highlight the recent strides made by PKU in international education cooperation. Emphasizing UCL's status as a world-class university and a crucial strategic partner for PKU, Gong acknowledged the numerous collaborative efforts undertaken by both universities in the establishment of Confucius Institutes, and academic partnerships in fields like environmental science, medical health, urban studies, archaeology, business management, and artificial intelligence. These collaborations have facilitated cultural exchange between China and the United Kingdom, while also driving educational and academic advancements, he added.

Gong further underlined PKU's commitment to seizing the opportunities presented by its "Global Engagement Year" by propelling inter-university cooperation to new heights.

Expressing his gratitude for the invitation from PKU, Spence commended the remarkable achievements of PKU in the realms of scientific research and international development. Recognizing the imperative for the West to deepen its understanding of China, Spence emphasized the importance of China's involvement in tackling global challenges. 

He further highlighted the significant role played by PKU as one of UCL's key global partners, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of their collaborative endeavors in constructing a harmonious global future. Spence also expressed his eagerness to strengthen comprehensive and multidisciplinary cooperation between the two institutions and inject renewed vigor into addressing the shared global challenges of our time.

Following the fruitful meeting, Gong and Spence sealed the visit with the signing of a new MoU, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between PKU and UCL. A dialogue session was also held and attended by faculty representatives from both schools. 

Written by: Ang Shao Heng
Edited by: Su Huangyi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)