FAO DG Dr. Qu Meets HKUST(GZ) President Ni in Rome
On September 30, Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held official meeting with Professor Lionel M. Ni, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) , and his delegation during their visit to Rome.
The discussions centered on potential collaborations in sustainable development, climate change, and green city initiatives, as well as enhancing student internship opportunities. Both parties expressed a commitment to formalizing a memorandum of understanding in the near future.
Before the formal discussions, Dr. Qu hosted a working lunch and guided the HKUST(GZ) delegation on a tour of FAO headquarters. He emphasized the urgent need to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in response to a growing global population and escalating climate challenges. Dr. Qu praised HKUST(GZ) for its significant advancements in climate change mitigation, carbon neutrality, and smart city innovation, expressing enthusiasm for deeper collaboration in talent development, research, and South-South cooperation.
Dr. Qu highlighted HKUST(GZ)’s academic strengths and strategic geographic location, suggesting that FAO offices worldwide could collaborate with the university on joint research projects and various cooperative ventures. He encouraged HKUST(GZ) students to apply for FAO internships and participate in UN forums, proposing that these initiatives be included in the forthcoming memorandum.
President Ni showcased HKUST(GZ)’s interdisciplinary academic framework and its accomplishments in sustainable development and urban governance. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to global collaboration aimed at broadening students’ international perspectives and aligning efforts with FAO to advance the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, President Ni recognized the substantial potential for joint research, international seminars, and expanded cooperation under FAO's Green Cities Initiative, which could foster scientific and technological innovation while nurturing research talent, particularly in the Global South. He extended a formal invitation to Dr. Qu to visit HKUST(GZ).
FAO attendees included Director of Cabinet Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of the Office of Corporate Communications Yasmina Bouziane, Director of the Food Systems and Food Safety Division Corinna Hawkes, Director of the FAO Office of Climate Change Kaveh Zahedi, Senior Programme Officer, South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division Nafis Khan, Secretary of Programme Committee Jiani Tian.
Representing HKUST(GZ) were senior leaders, including Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer) Prof. Hui Xiong, Dean of the Function Hub Prof. Weijia Wen, Acting Dean of Society Hub Prof. Ye Qi, Thrust head of Microelectronics Prof. Jiang Xu, Acting Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Prof. Shuncheng Lee, head of Integrative Administration Department Yu Huang, head of Global Affairs Department Jing Fu.
From September 29 to October 8, President Ni and his team are touring Italy, Greece, and Germany, engaging with over ten prestigious universities and alliances to forge partnerships, recruit talent, and enhance HKUST(GZ)’s international collaborations.
Dr. Qu Dongyu was re-elected with overwhelming support at the 43rd session of the FAO Conference in July 2022. He first took office in June 2019, becoming the first Chinese national to lead the organization in its history. Since then, he has actively directed FAO efforts to address global food security challenges and support agricultural development in member countries, particularly in developing nations, earning recognition from FAO member states.
Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is a specialized agency of the UN responsible for international cooperation in the food and agriculture sectors, playing a vital role in global policy exchange, standard-setting, and statistical information in these fields.
*All the photos are provided by the FAO
