The Inaugural Summit of the League of Tropical Universities (LTU) was commenced in Sanya, Hainan Province, on 14 November 2023.

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.

The Summit featured live and remote speeches including Dr. Chen Jie, Vice Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China; Dr. Xie Jing, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Hainan Province; Mr. Li Hu, Director General of the Education Department of Hainan Province; Mr. Fu Xuanguo, Chancellor of Hainan University; and Prof. Luo Qingming, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of Hainan University.

LTU Inaugural Summit

Dr. Chen Jie emphasized the significance of the LTU in empowering talent training and facilitating comprehensive development in tropical regions. He encouraged the LTU member units to leverage the advantages of the Hainan FTP, strengthen communication, and enhance interconnectivity.

Mr. Li Hu highlighted the importance of the LTU in fostering the thriving landscape of international education in Hainan Province. Mr. Li also expressed hope that all LTU member units should join hands to build the LTU into a powerhouse of education and innovation globally, contributing to the formation of the community of tropical regions.

During the Summit, Mr. Fu Xuanguo issued the Declaration of the League of Tropical Universities. He noted that the LTU will promote interconnectivity among higher education and research institutions in tropical regions, provide constructive solutions for local and global challenges, and harness opportunities in the latest wave of technological and industrial revolution.

Issue the Declaration of the League of Tropical Universities by Mr. Fu Xuanguo

“Development in tropical regions is powered by top-tier talents”, said Prof. Luo Qingming. He emphasized that with close cooperation across different fields, the LTU will provide students with greater opportunities for academic exchange and practices, and contribute to the sustainable development of tropical regions by fostering skilled professionals and industry pioneers with innovative solutions and international perspectives.

Universities including Tianjin University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology sent congratulatory messages to the inauguration of LTU, wishing its inaugural summit a complete success. The Summit also included signing ceremonies among LTU member units and related enterprises.

The functions of the LTU are to promote collaborative talent training, facilitate joint research and social services, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. As of 14 November 2023, the LTU has a total of 40 member units from 18 countries and regions including China, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia and South Africa.

LTU Inaugural Ceremony

Signing Ceremony

Attendees participating in the Summit included delegates from the LTU member units; HNU leadership including Vice President Cao Bing, Mr. Zou Yonghua and Prof. Chen Jun, Academic Vice President Laurence T. Yang; Prof. Da Hsuan Feng, Chair of the Hainan University International Advisory Board Member; leaders from HNU relevant departments and schools, as well as faculty and student representatives.