The University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Education Cooperation Forum among Universities from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States opened in Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) on March 18.

The UASR Education Cooperation Forum among Universities from SCO Member States opens in XJTU on March 18. [Photo/xjtu.edu.cn]

With a focus on empowering sustainable development through digital education, the forum aimed to construct the Digital Silk Road, which contributes to international cooperation and exchanges in the field of education.

At the forum, Xi Ru, second-level inspector of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges at the Ministry of Education, mentioned that in the decade since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative, the layout of educational openness has continued to optimize, and education has played an increasingly crucial role in advancing society.

She expressed hope that the participants can take the forum as an opportunity to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, explore a brighter future, and deepen international educational exchanges, all of which will contribute new and greater strength to the construction of a community with a shared future.

Xi Ru delivers a speech at the forum. [Photo/xjtu.edu.cn]

Wang Shuguo, president of XJTU, stated that higher education plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges, solving contemporary issues, and achieving sustainable development. Since XJTU initiated the establishment of UASR in 2015, the university has been dedicated to promoting open cooperation in higher education, deepening international cooperation and exchanges, and cultivating talent. These efforts have built bridges for educational exchanges and cooperation between countries and regions.

Wang hopes that this event will inspire universities from SCO member states to engage in in-depth discussions around the theme of digital empowerment, and explore new fields for cooperation through technological innovation.

Wang Shuguo gives a speech at the forum. [Photo/xjtu.edu.cn]

Zhanseit Tuimebayev, president of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, said that technology has become a key force driving educational development, as it plays an indispensable role in enhancing educational quality and improving the educational environment. Universities have been working closely with partners to achieve sustainable development goals and jointly construct a sustainable future through educational innovation, scientific research, and international cooperation.

Zhanseit Tuimebayev speaks at the forum. [Photo/xjtu.edu.cn]

During the forum, XJTU, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tashkent University of Information Technologies, International University of Kyrgyzstan, National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan, and Tajik National University jointly signed a higher education cooperation agreement.

The forum also unveiled the online course for pathways to achieving the UASR's sustainable development goals.

The higher education cooperation agreement is signed at the forum. [Photo/xjtu.edu.cn]