The 2024 Presidents’ Roundtable and Alliance Council Meeting hosted by Guangzhou University was held on November 7. Members celebrated a record year for our Alliance, our growth in momentum and plans for the future.

The following is summary of these two meetings themed “Greater Engagement and Greater Heights”:

Presidents’ Roundtable

· Welcome and Introductions were provided by Guangzhou University Vice-President Fu Jiyang, Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian and Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman, AO, Executive Chair of our Alliance.

Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian welcomed everyone and expressed his special gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Bowman as he became our Executive Chair earlier this year. Moving forward, the Secretariat of the Alliance will continue to serve as a bridge and link between member universities under Vice-Chancellor Bowman’s support and guidance.

During this welcome, Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian shared updates on Guangzhou University to include its 97-year history, status as a key institution in Guangdong Province, and recent rankings. He further shared his desire to leverage the Alliance platform to contribute the collective wisdom and strength of our universities toward promoting sustainable urban development. He noted our contemporary world is challenged with instability and uncertainty. In the face of a tumultuous international landscape and escalating anti-globalization trends, it is evident that universities, as "catalysts" for global scientific advancement and human civilization, must take more proactive roles and shoulder greater responsibilities. In particular, universities that thrive alongside their cities need to consider how to connect their own development with the sustainable progress of their communities which better serve the welfare of urban residents. Our university Alliance has become a new norm for universities worldwide, seeking international cooperation and implementing resource sharing, joint risk-taking, and complementary strengths. It is also an important initiative for universities to actively participate in global higher education governance, striving for more quality resources and enhancing overall competitive strength.

· Open discussion was held on three topics – (1) How Our Alliance Can Appropriately Help Establish Business and Industry Ties Among our Sister-Cities, (2) our “Five-Year” Priority Projects and Further Project Recommendations and (3) How Our Alliance Can Better Encourage Participation of All Our Members and Promote the Alliance Within their Universities. This discussion was moderated by our Executive Chair - Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman.

Our members are in favor of helping develop business and industry ties among our cities. A working committee will be formed and it will be co-chaired by Vice-Chancellor Bowman and the Secretariat. An invitation will be extended within the next month for all interested members to join this working committee to formulate our next steps. Possible steps include identifying enterprises which are environmentally friendly, working with our current university student entrepreneurship and business incubators, working with area business and industry associations, linking businesses with AI technology, targeting multinational industries and hosting a business and industry conference in Darwin to coincide with next year’s Alliance meeting to be held in Darwin.

Our members believe our current “Five-Year” Priority Projects should remain the same as we further build upon their successful progress. These projects include: Introducing AI into Various Systems, Developing More Sustainability Programs to Include UNSDGs, Offering Staff, Faculty and Student Exchanges to Particularly Include Post-Doctorates and Developing More Projects Addressing Global Challenges to Include Global Warming.

These projects include the next Intent of Interest steps which was signed during the Council meeting. This now includes formalizing bilateral and multilateral exchange agreements among our universities.

As to how our Alliance can better encourage participation of all our members and promote the Alliance within their universities, new communication channels to include new email list serve groups and an interactive website were discussed. The need for our current university primary contacts to better disseminate information by areas of interest was stressed as well as a new list serve between Vice-Chancellors who can communicate directly with one another and reenforce the efforts of their faculty and staff.

· Closing Remarks were provided by Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian who shared his excitement for these discussions and our next steps which will continue to strengthen our Alliance.

Alliance Council Meeting

· Welcome and introductions were provided by Guangzhou University Vice-President Fu Jiyang and Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman, AO, Executive Chair of the Alliance.

· President Professor Scott Bowman, AO, our Executive Chair, shared his excitement to serve as our Executive Chair. He discussed the history and importance of sister-cities, the uniqueness of our Alliance, the recognition of the city of Guangzhou and Guangzhou University for the foresight in developing our Alliance and how our university members can play an instrumental role in international collaboration and friendship benefiting all.

· Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian extended his warm congratulations on the convening of the 2024 Alliance Council. He welcomed all council members and authorized representatives from our member universities along with all the leaders, guests, and friends attending this meeting both in person and online.

Reflecting on 2024, Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian shared the Secretariat of the Alliance has carried out a substantial amount of effective work with the active participation and cooperation of our member universities. Under the support and guidance of our former Executive Chair, Professor Glover of Western Sydney University, and our current Executive Chair, Vice-Chancellor Bowman of Charles Darwin University, we have achieved remarkable results. He then shared the following progress report for 2024:

1. Continuously Expanding Cooperation and Exchange Pathways

After nearly six years of operation and development, the Alliance has become an important platform for connecting Guangzhou with over 100 friendly cities worldwide serving as an educational and cultural exchange hub between these friendly cities. Our "network" continues to expand with, as of May 2024, the Alliance having 23 member universities covering 21 major cities in 18 countries across five continents. Adhering to the principles of "voluntary, equality, cooperation, sharing, and mutual benefit," our Alliance has garnered increasing attention from international and regional organizations to include the World University Presidents Association and the African University Association, receiving more collaboration requests.

Upholding the principle of "joint construction, sharing, and mutual benefit," the Secretariat of the Alliance has continued to explore cooperation and exchange pathways among member universities based on the consensus reached in Sydney during the 2023 annual meeting. The Secretariat's working group has visited member universities such as Chiang Mai University, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, University of Padova, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Western Sydney University, and the University of Coimbra. They have also hosted delegations or scholars from institutions to include Gorgan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chiang Mai University, University of Padova, Tampere University, and Linköping University for exchanges. Collaborative projects such as "Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility," "International Language and Culture Committee," "Chinese Classroom," and "Intangible Cultural Heritage Embroidery Station" have been led by Western Sydney University, University of Coimbra, and Polytechnic University of Valencia,

In 2024, we implemented a record number of over 40 exchange and cooperation projects across areas such as joint research topics, student innovation and entrepreneurship, Digital Academy online lectures, micro-credential courses, and international academic seminars. Frequent exchanges and collaborations strongly demonstrate the robust cohesion, innovative capabilities, and sustainable development potential of our Alliance which reinforces the importance of international higher education cooperation among member universities.

2. Using Competitions to Enhance the “Friendly City Youth + Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Exchange Mechanism

As one of the key activities of our Alliance, the "Urban Innovation Student Entrepreneurship Competition" has been held annually since its inception in 2020. The final round of our fifth annual competition was held last week at Guangzhou University with 25 student teams from nine member universities reaching the finals. He and President Bowman attended the event and were captivated by the creativity and innovative ideas of the young participants. Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam from Western Sydney University, the co-chair of the judging panel, will further share these competition results.

Upholding the principle that "innovation shapes the future," the Alliance will continue to develop a dual-focus model, integrating competition and education, to continuously inspire the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among students from member universities in our Alliance.

3. Steady Progress in Joint Research Projects Highlighting Cross-Disciplinary Features

Since 2021, the Alliance has provided research startup funding for a total of 39 research topics. This year, the Secretariat organized expert reviewers and approved funding for 11 Joint Research Projects which are being led by scholars from nine member universities. This research covers various disciplines including new energy, new materials, artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, communication engineering, humanities and history, among others. Some of the funded projects also consider the diversity of research teams and the continuity of previous project research which highlight the international background and interdisciplinary characteristics of these projects.

4. The “Digital Academy” Lectures Reach a Wide Audience Which Combine Academic and Public Orientation

Our "Digital Academy" is a timely response by the Alliance to the trend of localized internationalization in higher education in the post-pandemic era. Since 2021, the Secretariat has organized almost 40 online course lectures across various disciplines which are offered free of charge to faculty and students from our member universities. This year, the Secretariat organized a record number 20 "Digital Academy" lectures inviting scholars from member universities including the University of Zaragoza, the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Western Sydney University, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Coimbra to speak. Nearly a thousand faculty and students from our member universities participated online in these programs and the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” was especially thanked for their contribution of many outstanding academic lectures to our member universities.

5. Fostering International Joint Research Efforts to Promote Urban Sustainable Development

To facilitate scientific research that promotes urban sustainable development and helps address common global challenges, the Alliance is exploring international organized research initiatives. This effort aims to deepen collaborative agreements among member university scholars in fields such as climate change, urban sustainability, and multilingual cultures. In 2024, projects led by Western Sydney University and University of Coimbra focusing on "Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility" and "International Language and Culture Committee" enhanced the ability of universities to contribute to sustainable urban development through various formats, including online and offline seminars, scholar exchanges, and collaborative publications.

Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian noted that "Shared voices resonate with each other, and shared hearts understand one another." Looking back at the journey taken together in 2024, all the achievements of the Alliance could not have been realized without the active participation and strong support from all member universities. The future development of the Alliance requires proactive involvement from all member institutions. Educational cooperation in the globalization process encompasses not only the sharing of resources and development of talents but also significantly impacts the efficient coordination of knowledge.

Our Alliance, based on friendship among cities, thrives through constructing a multinational and inter-regional network of university cooperation which breaks geographical limitations and actively encourages the production and dissemination of global knowledge. Our Alliance is committed to optimizing educational resources through collaboration and becoming an "engine" that promotes sustainable urban development connecting the system of global knowledge.

In closing, Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian expressed his gratitude for everyone’s cooperation and support and wished all council members, representatives, and friends good health and the best.

· Western Sydney University Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam recognized our Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2024 Competition Winners. These winners included:

Concept Teams - GOLD AWARD - Smart Energy as a Model for Urban Renewable Energy (Polytechnic University of Valencia) / SILVER AWARDS -

Reusable Fire-Resistant RC Column Rehabilitation Scheme with FRP Composites (Western Sydney University) and Bridge Health Vibration Sensing Robot (Guangzhou University) / BRONZE AWARDS - Zhiduo Agricultural Cloud – the Leader of the “New Farmer” Agricultural Wisdom Platform (Guangzhou University), Recycle+: Next-Gen Waste Recycling and Management Platform (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology) and Durian Rind Polysaccharide (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology)

MENTOR AWARDS - Polytechnic University of Valencia, Western Sydney University, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology and Guangzhou University

Start Up Teams - GOLD AWARD - Carbon-Eating Metal Absorption (Guangzhou University) / SILVER AWARDS - Enigmatic Cotton (Durban University of Technology) and Weihai Paints – International Pioneer in Water-Based Eco-Friendly Aquaculture Coatings (Guangzhou University) / BRONZE AWARDS - “Beidou” of Surgery-Parathyroid Fluorescence Identification System (Guangzhou Medical University), Born to Protect the Pregnant – Innovation Empowerment Integrated Solution for Postpartum Hemorrhage (Guangzhou Medical University) and Liver Health Innovator: Sustainable Innovations from Traditional Chinese Medicine Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (Guangzhou Medical University)

MENTOR AWARDS - Guangzhou Medical University, Durban University of Technology and Guangzhou University

· Four proposed members were presented for membership consideration. These universities included Covenant University in Ota, Nigeria, the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM) in Xochomilco, Mexico, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic and Daffodil International University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Informational material on each of these universities were provided in advance of the Council Meeting and each university conducted an online presentation.

All four universities were approved – located in a current sister-city of Guangzhou, the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM) in Xochomilco, Mexico has the status of member with the other three universities having the status of affiliate members which enjoy the same benefits of members with the exception of voting rights.

Our Alliance now represents 27 members and affiliate members, 7 continents, 22 countries, 25 cities, a combined approximate population of almost 60 million, 659,000 students and 70,000 faculty and staff.

· Guangzhou University International Affairs Office Director Professor Tang Xuan and Stellenbosch University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibusiso Moyo presented a presentation on Joint Alliance Research and Publications. Their presentation included a historical overview, a review of the latest projects, the positive impact from the perspective of Stellenbosch University and the proposed future of this research to hopefully include greater funding.

· An overview of our “Five-Year Steering Committee” was provided by Secretariat Executive Director Steve Farr with progress reports on the following major initiatives: Introducing AI into Various Systems led by Professor Francesco Petruccione from Stellenbosch University; Developing More Sustainability Programs to Include Highlighting of Aligned SDGs led by Jen Dollin from Western Sydney University; Offering Staff, Faculty and Student Exchanges to Particularly Include Postdoctoral Fellows Led by Dr. Yorgun from Middle East Technical University and Ms. Silvia Silva Dias from University of Coimbra; and Developing More Projects Addressing Global Challenges to Include Global Warming Led by Professor Guy Midgley from Stellenbosch University. These Steering Committees will continue to meet next year as they make further progress as areas of priorities which were reconfirmed during the Presidents’ Roundtable.

· Jen Dollin from Western Sydney University led a presentation on our new Sustainability and Social Responsibility Project Initiative. This presentation included Masterclasses, seed funding, international symposium, SDG benchmarking and a faculty exchange with Guangzhou University made possible through this initiative and its funding.

· Cristina Zhou from the University of Coimbra led a presentation on our new International Language and Multicultural Hub Project Initiative. International symposiums and a faculty exchange with Guangzhou University faculty made possible through this initiative and its funding.

· Member Program Updates included an announcement on the International Biomedical Forum and Guangzhou Cancer Conference hosted by Guangzhou Medical University on 8 November, 2024.

· Our signing ceremony included new bilateral and multilateral agreements on a variety of programs among Guangzhou Medical University and Charles Darwin University, Charles Darwin University and Guangzhou University and the Intent of Interest for the Establishment of an Alliance Exchange Program among Charles Darwin University, Stellenbosch University, Durban University of Technology, Middle East Technical University, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou Medical University, University of Coimbra and Guangzhou Maritime University.

· Stellenbosch University was awarded the 2024 “Chairman’s Award” by Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian and our Executive Chair, President Bowman of Charles Darwin University. Stellenbosch University, to especially include Vice Chancellor Professor Sibusiso Moyo, their faculty and students were recognized for their outstanding contributions. These contributions included their participation on joint research and publication projects, offering of Digital Academy programs, student competition team entries, ASEAN conference presentations, hosting of important delegations from Guangzhou, work on our new Sustainability initiative, council presentations, international symposium presentations and chairing of two of our “five-year” projects.

· President Professor Scott Bowman was reappointed our Executive Chair of the Alliance with Charles Darwin University hosting next year’s Annual Meeting in Darwin, Australia. In preparation, a special video welcoming everyone to Darwin was shown and a “Welcome to Darwin” sign was presented to Guangzhou University Chairman of the University Council Ouyang Qian. During President Professor Scott Bowman’s closing comments, he mentioned the possibility of a business and industry conference coinciding with next year’s meeting. The Council Meeting was adjourned and a group photo was taken.