On 24 February 2025, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala visited Tsinghua University in his first official visit to Beijing as Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. He met with Professor Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University, and jointly witnessed the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the United Nations University and Tsinghua University. He also delivered a Global Vision Lecture.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the United Nations University and Tsinghua University
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of an MoU on cooperation that will lead to the establishment of a UNU Hub in partnership with Tsinghua University’s Institute for AI International Governance (I-AIIG). This Hub will focus on ethical and responsible AI development, addressing challenges posed by emerging technologies, and fostering international collaboration on scalable solutions. This partnership will unite Tsinghua’s expertise in AI research and UNU’s global policy influence to promote AI for the global good.
Global Vision Lecture on AI and Sustainability
As part of the Tsinghua Global Vision Lecture Series, Professor Marwala delivered a keynote titled “Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development, and the Future.” He urged collective action to harness AI’s transformative potential for sustainable development while mitigating associated risks, envisioning a digital future that reflects humanity’s best values.
This visit marked a significant step in deepening UNU-Tsinghua collaboration.
