From January 20 to 21, Tsinghua President Li Luming attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos. He also attended the Global University Leaders Forum, the Board Meeting 2024-2025 of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC). Li and his delegation held a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with representatives from various sectors, further deepening international exchange and cooperation.
On January 21, Li held a multilateral meeting with Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, and presidents of leading global universities. Li stated that Tsinghua University is committed to exploring a more open, integrated, and resilient development path for higher education. He emphasized that Tsinghua aims to leverage the World Economic Forum as a pivotal international multilateral dialogue platform to work alongside global partners in contributing wisdom and strength towards actively addressing global challenges and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The same day, Li was invited to attend the Global University Leaders Forum at the World Economic Forum. He had discussions with leaders from renowned universities and research institutions, including the University of Oxford, ETH Zurich, the National University of Singapore, the University of Chicago, the University of Tokyo, University College London, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. The discussions centered on how higher education can address global sustainable development challenges by fostering scientific research and innovation. He also attended an event themed "Trust and Cooperation: A New Chapter in Globalization." There, he delivered a speech on the topic of how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education.
The Board Meeting 2024-2025 of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC)
Li also attended Board Meeting 2024-2025 of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC). Leaders and senior representatives from universities across nine countries on six continents gathered both in person and online. Professor Chen Deliang, Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor of Tsinghua University and a globally acclaimed climate scientist, delivered an academic report. Participants reviewed the achievements made by the alliance since its establishment and exchanged views on the high-level planning for the next phase of the alliance's development.
During his visit to the WEF, Li met with Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone. The two sides reviewed the fruitful achievements of their past collaborations and held in-depth discussions on the future development of Schwarzman College. Li expressed his gratitude to Schwarzman for his long-standing support of the college and its work in talent cultivation and promoting educational cooperation between China and the United States. He stated that the University would continue to fully support the college's development and cultivate more leaders of the future. Schwarzman noted that the college's accomplishments are down to Tsinghua University's strong support and the relentless efforts of all faculty and staff. Moving forward, Blackstone will join hands with Tsinghua University to support the development and talent cultivation efforts of Schwarzman College, contributing to global prosperity and progress.
Li Luming (right) meets Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.
Li Luming (right) meets Victor J.Dzau, President of the President of the US National Academy of Medicine.
During his visit, Li also met with academic representatives including Michael Spence, President & Provost of University College London; Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President of the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne; Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich; Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University; and Victor Dzau, President of the US National Academy of Medicine. They discussed Tsinghua University's initiatives in AI-enabled education and medical development, and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in talent cultivation and scientific research.
Li Luming (right) meets Marc Pictet, Managing Partner of the Pictet Group.
During his visit, bilateral meetings were held with Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto Group; Marc Pictet, Managing Partner of the Pictet Group; and Cherie Nursalim, Co-Founder of the United in Diversity Public Welfare Foundation and Vice Chairman of Giti Group. Li emphasized that Tsinghua University highly values cooperation and dialogue with international partners and is willing to strengthen collaboration with all parties to promote sustainable technological innovation and practical applications in the AI era. Collaborative partners expressed their willingness to continue deepening practical cooperation with Tsinghua University, working together to address global challenges and promote the development of society.
Alumni in Switzerland
During the visit, Li held a symposium with alumni working and studying in Switzerland. Li provided an update on the recent developments and reform initiatives at the University, expressing gratitude for the alumni's continued interest and support for the University's endeavors, as well as their contributions to fostering exchanges between China and the West in their respective roles. The alumni affirmed their commitment to leveraging their connections to uphold and promote the Tsinghua spirit, striving to contribute to the development of both their homeland and their alma mater.
Editor: Li Han
