Tsinghua University President Li Luming led a delegation to Switzerland from January 14 to 18, highlighted by their participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos. The visit focused on dialogues regarding pressing global issues and advancing international cooperation in higher education, with Vice President Wang Hongwei attending select events.
A key engagement on January 16 was a meeting with Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum. The meeting underscored Tsinghua's dedication to an open and resilient higher education system. President Li advocated for enhanced cultural and educational exchanges worldwide, in line with the forum's goals.
At the Global University Leaders Forum on the same day, Li interacted with counterparts from 19 leading institutions, including Oxford University and Peking University. Discussions revolved around the theme "Building Bridges: University Leaders Meeting on Research and Development Ecosystems", with Li sharing Tsinghua's innovative approaches and ideas.
Li Luming meets Stephen A. Schwarzman (top-left), Michael Spence (top-right), Jakob Stausholm (bottom-left), and Jan-Willem Scheijgrou (bottom-right)
Li's participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting included significant meetings with company leaders like Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto Group, Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, vice president of Global Government & Public Affairs (GPA), Philips, and Cherie Nursalim, vice chairman of GITI Group, and vice chair of the International Chamber of Commerce Merchants of Peace Fund.
These discussions emphasized Tsinghua's commitment to collaborative research and sustainable innovation in tackling global challenges.
A notable highlight was Li's meeting with Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Blackstone. Li thanked Schwarzman for his long-term support to the Schwarzman Scholars program. The two sides will continue to collaborate to nurture global young leaders and promote China-US educational cooperation based on the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua.
Li Luming visits various laboratories at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.
Li Luming (first from right) meets Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti.
Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana gives souvenirs to Li Luming (one from left).
The delegation's visits to Swiss universities, such as Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, University of Zurich and Università della Svizzera italiana, fostered dialogues on innovative education and international partnerships. Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti also had exchanges with Li. These interactions aim to deepen bilateral relations in culture, academia, and education.
Li Luming (second from left) visits the studio of Mario Botta.
During the visit to Lugano, Li Luming and his delegation also toured the studio of Mario Botta, the architect behind the design of Tsinghua University's Humanities and Social Sciences Library and the Tsinghua University Art Museum. They held a discussion with the head of the studio, focusing on cooperation in fostering student training in the field of architecture.
A group photo of Li Luming (middle of the first row) and Tsinghua alumni at Switzerland
The visit was warmly received by the Swiss Tsinghua Alumni Association and included interactions with nearly 40 alumni. Li acknowledged the outstanding contributions made by the alumni in various industry sectors. The alumni expressed their commitment to inheriting and promoting the Tsinghua spirit, and striving tirelessly for the development of the country and their alma mater.
Editor：Li Han
