Zheng Shuiquan,Vice Chair of theUniversity Council of Renmin University of China (RUC), met with Vebjørn Dysvik, Norwegian Ambassador to China, on March 20 to discuss bilateral educational cooperation and sustainable development initiatives.
During the meeting, Zheng Shuiquan highlighted Norway's historic role as one of the first Western nations to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. He emphasized the longstanding academic partnerships between RUC and leading Norwegian institutions, including the University of Oslo, University of Bergen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and BI Norwegian Business School. These collaborations span disciplines such as law, literature, information technology, and public administration, featuring robust engagement through student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
"Norway has emerged as a global pioneer in sustainable development and green transformation," Zheng stated. "We aspire to deepen our cooperation in education and cultural exchanges, particularly through co-developing interdisciplinary programs in green development, climate studies, and sustainable energy systems. By cultivating talent with international perspectives, we aim to nurture future leaders capable of addressing global environmental challenges." He further expressed enthusiasm for welcoming more Norwegian students and scholars to pursue advanced studies at RUC, reinforcing the foundation for long-term bilateral partnership.
Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik, commemorating the 71st anniversary of Sino-Norwegian diplomatic relations, acknowledged the substantive progress in economic, cultural, and green transition cooperation between the two nations. "As a practitioner of bilateral collaboration, I am committed to enhancing intellectual dialogues among young scholars and promoting institutional synergies in higher education," he remarked. "Elevating our partnership to new heights requires sustained efforts in academic innovation and people-to-people connectivity."
The discussion also explored potential collaborations in Arctic governance research and green finance education, reflecting both nations' strategic priorities. The delegation included Henrik Nykvist, Science and Education Counsellor of the Norwegian Embassy in China, and Elin Merete Økstad, Environment and Climate Counsellor of the Norwegian Embassy in China. Representatives from the International Office and Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of RUC(RDCY) participated in the meeting
Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Vebjørn Dysvik delivered a keynote speech titled "Green and Low-Carbon Transition: Experiences and Prospects" at the Ambassador Forum under the RDCY Forum for Area Studies. The event was attended by selected faculty members and students fromRUC, alongside enterprise representatives from industries related to green development and sustainable technologies.
