Peking University, January 23, 2024: President Gong Qihuang of Peking University (PKU) led a delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Global University Leaders Forum (GULF) in Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 15 to 19.

Throughout the trip, President Gong and the PKU delegation were hosted by various organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), University of Lisbon, and University of Coimbra, along with other collaborating agencies and partner universities.

The overarching theme of WEF 2024 was "Rebuilding Trust," featuring discussions on four key themes: "Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World," "Creating Growth and Jobs for a New Era," "Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society," and "A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature, and Energy." 

At the GULF meeting, President Gong shared Peking University’s insights on university-enterprise cooperation with fellow participants. During the forum, President Gong engaged in discussions with global university leaders, including Professor Martin Vetterli (President of EPFL), Professor Teck-Hua Ho (President of Nanyang Technological University), and Professor Michael Spence (President of University College London). They discussed the present opportunities and challenges faced by universities. Concerning international cooperation, Professor Gong expressed Peking University’s willingness to collaborate on common interests such as sustainable development, digitalized education, and artificial intelligence.

President Gong meets with Zhang Xiangchen

On Jan. 15, Professor Gong and the delegation were received by WTO Deputy Director-General and PKU alumnus Zhang Xiangchen at the WTO, who provided an overview and current developments of the organization. Echoing Zhang’s anticipation for more outstanding PKU graduates to join WTO, Professor Gong conveyed PKU’s intention to strengthen cooperation with WTO and boost research in global trade governance.

Subsequently, the PKU delegation visited the University of Lisbon and University Coimbra on Jan. 17 and 18, respectively, meeting with Rector of the University of Lisbon Professor Luís Ferreira and Rector and Vice-Rector of the University of Coimbra, Professor Amílcar Falcão and Professor João Nuno Cruz Matos Calvão da Silva. Emphasizing Peking University’s commitment to strengthening friendly cooperation, promises of further collaboration in key sectors and future joint partnerships in new areas were made.

President Gong meets with Amílcar Falcão

Additionally, academic and working visits were conducted to EPFL, ETH Zürich, and the University of Zürich.

Written by: Lee Jie Xin
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Source: PKU News (Chinese)