On September 23, 2024, the 2024 Sino-American Top Universities ’10+10′ President Forum took place at the University of Chicago, co-hosted by Peking University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This significant event was attended by notable figures, including Chen Jie, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago; Katherine Baicker, Provost of the University of Chicago; Gong Qihuang, President of Peking University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and 段崇智, President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This forum represented the second gathering after the inaugural event held in December 2023 in Hong Kong. This year’s focus was on the themes ‘Opportunities and Challenges: The Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Education’ and ‘Promoting Academic Cooperation between Sino-American Universities,’ aiming to explore new models for collaboration during a critical time in higher education.
Opening Remarks and Key Discussions
During his opening remarks, Chen Jie underscored the vital role that higher education plays amid a new wave of technological advancements and industrial transformation. He highlighted the historical responsibility of Sino-American universities to work together in addressing global challenges. Chen encouraged institutions from both countries to adopt an inclusive approach, harness complementary strengths, and expand collaborative opportunities that would significantly contribute to global welfare.
Katherine Baicker emphasized that international cooperation is crucial in tackling shared global challenges. She pointed out the necessity for joint efforts between Chinese and American universities to enhance talent and resource pooling, which are essential in addressing urgent global issues.
Gong Qihuang articulated that the relationship between China and the United States, as the largest developing and developed nations respectively, is vital for the well-being of both countries and global peace. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration and understanding among the youth of both nations.
段崇智 affirmed the significant role of higher education in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation amidst complex geopolitical dynamics. He indicated that the forum reflects a commitment to enhancing higher education for the benefit of both countries and the global community.
Session Highlights
The first session of the forum, led by Katherine Baicker, focused on the integration of artificial intelligence in education. Speakers shared their experiences and strategies on utilizing technology to achieve educational success. The second session, directed by 段崇智, allowed participants to freely discuss the current challenges facing academic exchanges between Chinese and U.S. institutions, highlighting the importance of maintaining scholarly interactions and personnel exchange.
Closing Remarks
In concluding remarks, Paul Alivisatos stressed the importance of educational and research collaborations in addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health. He acknowledged the inherent difficulties in Sino-American academic collaboration but advocated for an open mindset aimed at discovering solutions through the establishment of lasting partnerships that could enhance future cooperation between higher education institutions in both nations.