On June 14, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in international education collaboration as Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) and Lincoln University officially inaugurated their joint institute in Auckland, New Zealand. The opening ceremony was attended by Professor Gao Chi, Secretary of the CPC HZAU Committee, and Professor Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University, who jointly unveiled the plaque. The ceremony was witnessed by China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, and New Zealand’s Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds.

The official inauguration took place during the “Future-Oriented China-New Zealand Education Development Forum,” highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations in the field of higher education. This forum saw the signing of 19 cooperation agreements between 11 Chinese universities and 8 New Zealand universities, further cementing the partnership and paving the way for diverse and deepened educational collaborations.

The Joint Institute of Huazhong Agricultural University and Lincoln University represent a significant advancement in international cooperative education. Approved by China’s Ministry of Education in May 2024, the institute symbolizes a new chapter in the collaboration between Huazhong Agricultural University and Lincoln University. This initiative aims to blend the strengths of both institutions, fostering a unique educational environment that leverages global perspectives and local expertise.

Before the inauguration, Gao Chi and Grant Edwards engaged in a focused discussion on the high-quality development of the joint institute. They emphasized the commitment to excellence in talent cultivation and the importance of facilitating comprehensive and in-depth exchanges between scholars and students from both universities. This collaboration aims to create a vibrant academic community that nurtures innovation, research, and cultural understanding.

The establishment of the Joint Institute of Huazhong Agricultural University and Lincoln University underscores the dedication of both universities to advancing educational opportunities and fostering international collaboration. It serves as a beacon for future initiatives that will promote global learning and cross-cultural exchange.

This partnership not only enriches the educational landscape but also contributes to the broader vision of a connected and collaborative global academic community.

Source:  HZAU News Center