On Oct 30th 2019, Chairman Ban Ki-moon and Secretary General Li Baodong attended the joint conference of “Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum on Sustainable Development” and “Association of East Asian Research Universities” held at the Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. Both Chairman Ban and Secretary Li delivered keynote speeches at the opening plenary on the important role of higher education in sustainable development goals.

Chairman Ban in his speech pointed out that higher education could help build a model for societies that is not only prosperous but also protects the planet. The partnerships established in meetings like the joint conference of that day help bring a new era of cultural, economic, and social progress for East Asia and beyond.

Secretary General Li emphasized the key impact of higher education in SDGs. Future universities should continue to carry forward the best of traditional culture and educational values, follow the concept of open and inclusive education as well as strengthen exchanges and international cooperation among institutions.