HKUST(GZ) Partners with IAC to Nurture Future Global Leaders
In a significant move aimed at shaping the next generation of global leaders, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), referred to as HKUST(GZ), has forged a partnership with the InterAction Council (IAC) to establish the World Young Leaders Academy (WYLA).
This academy is set to equip young talents with exceptional abilities in technological advancements, industrial transformations, innovation, entrepreneurship, politics, economics, and humanities to address pressing global challenges.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Lionel M. NI, President of HKUST(GZ), and Bertie Ahern, the co-chair of the InterAction Council and former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. The signing ceremony saw the presence of six other former heads of state and government, including Olusegun Obasanjo from Nigeria, Petar Stoyanov from Bulgaria, Boris Tadic from Serbia, Essam Sharaf from Egypt, and Medgyessy Peter from Hungary, who convened in Beijing for the IAC’s 38th Annual Plenary Meeting and the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
At the ceremony, moderated by Prof. Ye QI, acting dean of Society Hub at HKUST(GZ), President Ni emphasized that the establishment of WYLA will leverage HKUST(GZ)'s competitive edge in spearheading a global shift towards integrating higher education disciplines and nurturing talent. He underscored the collaborative effort with the IAC's network of former dignitaries and exceptional entrepreneurs worldwide.
"Both entities will closely align with the development strategies of 'Global South' nations, including China’s priority of developing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, to collaboratively chart the growth trajectory of the WYLA," Ni affirmed.
Former Prime Minister Ahern expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the value of education in shaping the future. "Education is the best gift we can offer to the next generation," he remarked. "The world's trajectory towards science and technology underscores the necessity for cultivating talent in these fields and I hope the WYLA would evolve into a valuable and impactful initiative.”
Former Nigerian President Obasanjo echoed these sentiments, underscoring the transformative power of education and the importance of experiential learning. "Bringing young leaders together for interactive and cross-cultural learning experiences is a powerful educational tool," he stated. "Education, particularly through travel, holds the key to creating a brighter future for the world and humanity."
