As an effort to promote China-UK cooperation in higher education and digital education, Feng Shizheng, Vice President of Renmin University of China (RUC), led a delegation to the UK from December 11 to 15, during which they attended the 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, the China-UK Universities Roundtable and the Launch of the UK Young Envoys Scholarship Programme. The delegation also paid visits to the University of Oxford and Queen Mary University of London.

The 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, co-hosted by the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, was held on December 12. Over 340 Representatives from 135 institutions, including universities, online education platforms, international organizations, and government agencies from 32 countries and regions, gathered to discuss the topic of “Reimagining the Future of Higher Education in the Intelligence Era.”

Feng Shizheng also attended the China-UK Universities Roundtable and the Launch of the UK Young Envoys Scholarship Programme on the same day, delivering a keynote speech at its “Open Scientific Exchange and Cooperation” forum. He highlighted the long-standing educational traditions and research strengths of both China and the UK, emphasizing the importance of open scientific exchange in driving innovation and addressing global challenges. RUC values its partnerships with UK universities, having established ties with 20 institutions, and seeks to expand cooperation in academic exchange, talent development, and multilateral dialogue by leveraging its strengths in sociology, economics, finance, law, and more.

The delegation also visited Oriel College, University of Oxford, where they were welcomed by Lord Mendoza, the Provost of Oriel College. Feng emphasized the long-standing collaboration between RUC and Oxford, particularly with Oriel College in short-term student exchanges. He proposed deepening cooperation through youth dialogue, short-term visits, summer schools, academic seminars, and dual-degree programs. Feng also invited Oriel’s senior scholars and young talents to engage in research through RUC’s “Qiushi Scholars” program. Lord Mendoza expressed hopes in strengthening ties with RUC, particularly in joint talent training and student exchanges, noting Oriel’s rich academic history in both natural sciences and humanities and social sciences.

During their visit to Queen Mary University of London, the delegation was received by Vice Principal Frances Bowen. Feng reflected on the universities’ collaboration in fields such as law, public administration, finance, and literature. He expressed hope to deepen cooperation in fostering global competencies for students and in academic exchanges. Bowen acknowledged the strong academic alignment between the two universities and their shared academic vision, expressing a willingness to enhance cooperation and encourage students to actively participate in the Youth Innovation Competition on Global Governance. The two sides also discussed faculty development and the use of AI in education.

The delegation included representatives from RUC’s Academic Affairs Office, RUC’s International Office, and RUC Graduate School.