Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University visited France from June 20 to 21 and attended the first Sino-French Education Development Forum held in Paris on June 21.

Ren delivered a keynote speech at the forum, sharing Shandong University's experiences in promoting cooperation between China and France, characterized by cultural foundations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of industry and education.

He introduced the university's multifaceted cooperation with France, represented by the construction of Confucius institutes, joint archaeology work and the cultivation of talent for international organizations.

He stated that Shandong University will seize the opportunities presented by the digital intelligence era, advancing Sino-French strategic cooperation in areas such as digital education and teaching, cultural heritage innovation, and discipline development.

The China-France Education Development Forum is being held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Representatives from universities and institutions in China and France participated in discussions on topics including balanced student mobility, cultural exchanges, climate change, and sustainable development.

During the forum, Ren, representing Shandong University, signed an academic cooperation agreement and a student exchange agreement respectively with the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Orléans. They will collaborate to establish a research cooperation platform in the field of environmental protection and engage in joint student training programs.

Ren and his delegation also visited Qu Xing, deputy director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to discuss the role of universities in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University, delivers a keynote speech at the first Sino-French Education Development Forum in Paris on June 21. [Photo/Shandong University]

Ren Youqun (R), Party secretary of Shandong University, signs an academic cooperation agreement with the French National Center for Scientific Research. [Photo/Shandong University]