From November 4 to 13, Vice President Yi Jianhong led a delegation to Italy, France, and Germany to visit several renowned universities. The visit aimed to consolidate and deepen traditional cooperation, expand partnerships, and explore new areas of collaboration. Representatives from the Division of International Cooperation, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, and the Faculty of Art and Communication accompanied the delegation.

Art education is a distinctive strength of Italian higher education. From November 4 to 6, the delegation visited four prestigious art institutions: Accademia di belle arti di Roma, LICEO Artistico Statale Porta Romana E Sesto, Politecnico di Milano the School of Design, and Accademia di belle artilegalmente riconosciuta“A.C.M.E”di MILANO.

Representatives from the four institutions provided an overview of the academic disciplines and programs offered by Italian art schools, their teaching models, and the characteristics of their internationalized education.

Yi Jianhong provided a brief introduction to the university’s development and construction, with a particular focus on the achievements and unique characteristics of the Faculty of Art and Communication. He also highlighted Yunnan’s geographical advantages and its rich and diverse ethnic minority cultural and artistic resources. During the meeting, he showcased artworks created by current students and emphasized the importance of cross-cultural education.

On behalf of the university, Yi Jianhong extended an invitation to the Italian institutions. Both sides reached a preliminary consensus on cooperation in various areas, including academic exchanges, overseas second-campus study programs, joint exhibitions, and the co-development of high-quality talents with an international perspective.

On November 7, the delegation visited the Cachan campus of the École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, du Bâtiment et de l'Industrie (ESTP Paris) in France. They engaged in discussions with Ms. Holden, Secretary-General of the Board of Directors; Dr. Querten, Head of the Research Department; Mr. Kalasa, Manager of the National Exchange Department; and Ms. Bendmia, Director of International Cooperation Projects.

Yi Jianhong expressed that this visit reciprocated the visits by the ESTP president in March and the ESTP representative in China in September. He thanked ESTP for its long-standing support and stated that the visit aimed to further strengthen cooperation between the two universities in areas such as discipline development, talent cultivation, and social services. Ms. Holden welcomed Yi Jianhong and his delegation, acknowledged the achievements of previous collaborations, and expressed anticipation for deeper future cooperation. Participants from both sides discussed in-depth cooperation in talent cultivation and scientific research, reaching a consensus that laid the foundation for future collaborations. The delegation also visited ESTP's research center and laboratories.

On November 8, the delegation visited the Institute of Architecture at the Technische Universität Berlin (Berlin University of Technology). Both parties engaged in discussions on collaboration in areas such as sustainable bamboo and timber building materials, public building and environmental planning and design, as well as low-carbon and green sustainable facilities. They also deliberated on forming joint research teams and sharing research resources.

From November 9 to 12, the delegation visited the Energy Research Center of Lower Saxony and the Clausthal University of Technology in Germany. They presented the university's distinctive features and achievements in international exchanges to the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Hamburg, who attended the events. During discussions with President Sylvia Schattauer of Clausthal University of Technology and Professor Michael Zhengmeng Hou, Director of the China Competence Center, both sides reached a consensus on deepening academic exchanges and cooperation in fields related to low-carbon development, teacher training, and joint student cultivation. They also signed agreements with the China Competence Center on joint doctoral student training and scientific research cooperation. Additionally, the delegation met with and extended regards to Kunming University of Science and Technology faculty and students currently studying at Clausthal University of Technology.

During the visit, the delegation toured the research achievements exhibition at Volkswagen's headquarters in Germany and participated in the 2024 China Week event at Clausthal University of Technology. At the event, Yi Jianhong delivered a keynote speech titled "Working Together for A Shared Future," which received an enthusiastic response.

During this visit, the university delegation traversed three countries and eight cities, engaging in in-depth exchanges with seven internationally renowned higher education institutions, one top-tier enterprise, and one cutting-edge research center. They successfully planned and executed 14 high-quality, high-level exchange activities, establishing efficient and lasting communication mechanisms with foreign counterparts and reaching multiple cooperation intentions. This not only significantly broadened the university's channels and fields of cooperation and exchange with high-level European universities but also further consolidated and deepened the collaboration with long-term key partner Clausthal University of Technology. Together, they have written a new chapter of cooperation, demonstrating their determination and strength to work together and create a shared future.

Translated by: MA Bingyu, Division of International Cooperation

Source: Division of International Cooperation

Issued by: Division of International Cooperation