On February 24, Tsinghua University President Li Luming and United Nations University (UNU) Rector Tshilidzi Marwala formalized their institutions’ partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on strengthening collaboration in AI governance and student exchange programs.
President Li extended a cordial welcome to Marwala and his delegation, expressing Tsinghua’s commitment to global cooperation and leadership in critical areas such as climate change, public health, AI governance, and online education. “Tsinghua University has consistently championed global initiatives such as the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) and the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance,” remarked President Li. He highlighted the University’s progress in AI-powered education and research, noting its instrumental role in shaping the future of the academic and scientific landscapes. President Li conveyed his confidence that this new MOU would lead to more substantive cooperation between Tsinghua and UNU, ultimately contributing innovative solutions to global challenges.
In response, Marwala provided an overview of UNU’s educational framework, research priorities, and ongoing collaborations with Tsinghua, with special emphasis on AI. He recognized the rapid development of AI, pointing out that this technological revolution brings both promising opportunities and significant challenges. “Tsinghua University and UNU have established a strong foundation for cooperation. We are enthusiastic about deepening our relationship and elevating our collaborative efforts to new heights,” stated Marwala.
With President Li and Rector Marwala serving as official witnesses, Xue Lan, Dean of the Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, and Huang Jingbo, Director of the United Nations University Institute in Macau, signed the landmark MOU, officially cementing their commitment to advancing shared goals in AI governance and addressing other global issues.
