The LTU is a non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to building open, inclusive and innovative multilateral platforms for international cooperation and exchanges. The LTU brings together universities and research institutions on a voluntary basis, with a common commitment to advancing higher education and socio-economic development in tropical regions. Guided by the principles of equality, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, the LTU is dedicated to promoting comprehensive cooperation among its members in various areas such as talent cultivation, scientific research and cultural exchanges, with aims to empower higher education, sustain economic growth and contribute to social progress in tropical regions. The LTU has three major functions, covering driving collaborative talent cultivation, promoting collaborative scientific research and social services, and improving people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The LTU shall promote the establishment and development of training institutions, training bases and training programs. It shall also promote the work of credit transfer and mutual recognition of qualifications and academic degrees. The LTU shall promote the establishment of joint laboratories and platforms for transforming research achievement. Additionally, the LTU, along with its members, shall jointly organize academic seminars and cooperation forums. The LTU shall promote the establishment of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges among its members. It shall host the LTU forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges and carry out various activities on understanding local cultures.