FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu's visit leads to new partnership prospects
At a condensed trip filled with sparks-flying official meeting, immersive metaverse lab experience and student canteen conversations on Friday, or Jan 3, Dr. Qu Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) made a reciprocal visit to The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), or HKUST(GZ).
Dr Qu's trip came three months after HKUST(GZ) President Professor Lionel M. Ni, leading a delegation of the university's senior management team, visited the Rome-based FAO headquarters on Sept 30.
Professor Ni, reminiscing his visit to Rome in recognition of the FAO's hospitality, stressed the significance of a potential partnership with FAO as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the international organization during an official meeting with the visiting group that also included more than 15 officials from the FAO Representation in China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Guangzhou Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau.
Turning consensus into concrete actions, Professor Ni announced a plan for FAO-themed events at campus in celebration of the organization's important anniversary this year.
The meeting also involved the university's senior leadership team including associate vice presidents, deans and Thrust heads.
Dr. Qu said he was impressed by HKUST(GZ)'s interdisciplinary, problem-solving-oriented approach and global vision. At this era when the urgency to tackle global challenges is greater than ever, international organizations need to embrace new technology and ideas, Dr. Qu added, highlighting HKUST and HKUST(GZ)'s pioneering research capabilities as pivotal to this mission.
Citing FAO's "Four Betters" principles - Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better environment, and Better Life, Professor Ni said the the organization's vision and mission strongly align with the university's sustainability-related research and pursuits. Better education, Professor Ni said, is equally important for a better future of the world.
Professor Ni also introduced the university's two budding leadership programs - Greater Bay Area Global Academy for Green Leadership and Innovation and Global Youth Leadership Academy that were both designed to be global platforms for youth exchange in key areas including green industry, innovation, and youth leadership. In response, Dr. Qu said these two platforms provide new possibilities in youth leadership collaborations as the FAO can provide a worldwide connection with its members and regional offices.
The FAO delegation's campus tour, ahead of the meeting, was filled with an immersive lab visit to the Campus Brain and Metaverse Joint Innovation Laboratory, both showcasing the university's Artificial Intelligence-powered facilities. Dr. Qu also had conversations with dining students on a brief visit to the canteen as the delegation came during the lunch time.
