Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle recently attended the Belt and Road University Presidents Forum & Conference on Universities and Sustainable Development, co-hosted by Chongqing University and the Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau held in Chongqing, China.
Dr Hazri joined about 200 representatives which included heads of relevant departments, faculty members, and international students.
Discussions in the conference centred around two main topics: “The Role and Responsibility of Universities in Promoting Sustainable Development Along the Belt and Road” and “Scientific and Technological Innovation and New Quality Productive Forces: Opportunities and Challenges for Belt and Road Universities.” The discussions focused on how universities can address global challenges, advance sustainable development, and foster technological innovation and the growth of new forms of productivity, all while promoting broader and deeper global university cooperation.
Sun Jian, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, in his remarks at the opening of the Belt and Road University Presidents Forum & Conference on Universities and Sustainable Development, stressed that innovation efforts worldwide must join forces to tackle global challenges collectively. In this era of open collaboration, technological innovation is not a “solo performance” by any one country but a “symphony” played by all.
At the conference, Dr Hazri presented UBD’s research and innovations in areas which included Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Technologies, Biodiversity and Herbal Medicine, and Digital Transformation. He also shared Brunei Darussalam’s Economic Blueprint and UBD’s Sustainability Masterplan with the audience.
The Vice-Chancellor later attended the Second Council Meeting and Thematic Working Group Meeting of the University Network for Research Collaboration: A Belt and Road Science and Technology Initiative (iUNRC), which was also hosted by Chongqing University and the Chongqing Municipal Science and Technology Bureau.
Discussions on new cooperation strategies, pathways and models aimed to further advance iUNRC’s visions and plans while continuously deepening collaboration among member universities. Nine working groups focused on areas such as Big Data for Sustainable Development; Water/Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable, Renewable and Green Energy; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Sustainable Agriculture and Smart Agriculture; Responsible Consumption and Production; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Climate Change and Planetary Health; and Digital Transformation of Education. They then reported on the “Working Group Proposal Draft,” covering member structure, work background, research themes, research goals, research methods, and main responsibilities.
Also during the meeting, iUNRC members approved the membership of three institutions: Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China; University of Yangon, Myanmar; and University of Debrecen, Hungary.
UBD is among 15 universities that are part of the iUNRC. The university’s membership in international networks of universities ensure that it remains up-to-date with growing global demands placed on higher education institutions, maintaining its relevance in both academia and industries.
Since its establishment in November 2023, iUNRC member universities have gradually initiated a series of substantial collaborations in various fields, including research innovation, talent cultivation, and technology exchange. These efforts have promoted technological development and mutual benefits in the countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. More information can be found on the official website https://iUNRC.org.