On May 12, Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS) hosted the forum in collaboration with
the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly (UNCPGA). Centered on Global Governance and Higher Education Internationalization for a Sustainable Future, the event brought together participants to exchange insights on China's role in global governance, along with opportunities and challenges facing the internationalization of higher education.
H.E. President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Chairperson of UNCPGA and President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; H.E. President Dr. Han Seung-soo, Honorary Chairperson of UNCPGA and President of the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, together with 9 other presidents and Secretary-General of UNCPGA were invited to attend the event. HE Lianzhen, Vice Chair of the Zhejiang University Development Committee; LI Min,Chief of International Campus; QU Haidong,Vice Dean of International Campus; CHEN Jingyan, Vice Dean of ZIBS, attended the forum. BEN Shenglin, Co-Chair of the ZIBS International Advisory Board (IAB), presided over the forum.
HE Lianzhen stated that the visit of UNCPGA distinguished guests is of profound significance. Closely aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and global governance initiatives, Zhejiang University has been actively engaged in advancing global sustainable development. The founding of the International Campus was an important initiative of Zhejiang University to serve China's strategy of opening-up of education and innovation-driven development. As one of the three institutes of the Campus, ZIBS adheres to its positioning as a science and technology-focused, global business school and upholds the 5i(international, interdisciplinary, innovative, inclusive and integrative) educational philosophy. It brings together global talents and fosters a diverse community. She expressed the hope that this forum will serve as a catalyst for practical partnerships between the UN system and Zhejiang University, and create meaningful opportunities for faculty and students to make a real-world impact.
H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser stated that China's ideas, institutions and innovations are shaping the global agenda. He noted that delegates come to China to engage with business leaders, tech innovators, and prestigious academic institutions like Zhejiang University. ZIBS is committed to nurturing business leaders with a global vision. Its mission is aligned with the United Nations' aspiration to bring people together across borders, striving to build a world that is more just, peaceful and sustainable. He pointed out that the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has arrived, presenting new challenges that call for joint international cooperation — and the United Nations is the ideal platform for such collaboration. As China emerges as a global leader in AGI development, he encouraged young students to take on corresponding responsibilities.
H.E. President Dr. Han Seung-soo spoke of ZIBS international education philosophy of being rooted in China with a global vision. He noted that ZIBS 5i features distinguish it from many other business schools both domestically and globally. He acknowledged ZIBS in-depth engagement and close ties with the international community and the United Nations system. He encouraged students present to draw inspiration from the event and grow into high-caliber global leaders in their respective professional fields.
Dr. Jehangir Khan, Secretary-General of the Council of UNCPGA, reviewed the development journey of the United Nations and systematically elaborated on the value of its three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights protection. He noted that the United Nations needs to pursue reform, revitalization and modernization to meet the expectations of global youth. He encouraged students to embrace idealism and vitality to engage deeply in global governance and the causes of the United Nations.
Faculty and students engaged in substantive discussions with the former Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly on a range of global issues, including the evolution of multilateralism, challenges in global governance, climate action and sustainable development, international cooperation in higher education, the development interests of small states, artificial intelligence and global transformation, and youth engagement in global governance. Drawing on their extensive experience in international affairs and global governance, the Presidents shared insights and reflections on these issues, and encouraged ZIBS students to continue contributing to global dialogue and cooperation through broader global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.
During the event, the Han Seung-soo·Global Hub was officially launched as a dedicated space for international exchange and academic dialogue among faculty and students, further fostering an open and globally engaged academic community at ZIBS.
The high-level forum jointly hosted by ZIBS and UNCPGA reflects ZIBS commitment to engaging with global networks in education and innovation. Looking ahead, ZIBS will continue to work closely with international partners in advancing international collaboration and contributing to Zhejiang University's vision of becoming a world-class university that will transform lives and improve China and the world.
