FNU Senior Leadership Team, FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki, staff members with the representatives from Beijing Normal University.

Fiji National University and Beijing Normal University of the People’s Republic of China have deepened ties through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  signed at the Nasinu Campus on March 4.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, both universities laid out opportunities to grow through student exchange programmes and research, with hopes to inspire the next generation of globally minded scholars.

The sharing of resources, materials, and expertise will bolster the collective ability to address issues of shared importance and advance the boundaries of knowledge.

Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, the Vice-Chancellor of Fiji National University, emphasized that forging connections with esteemed international institutions fosters a vibrant atmosphere at FNU. This environment thrives on the exchange of ideas across cultures, the inclusion of varied viewpoints, and the pursuit of groundbreaking research.

“Jointly organised conferences and academic meetings will serve as powerful platforms for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering intellectual exchange, and building networks of scholars dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Moreover, the open-ended nature of this agreement lays the groundwork for countless future endeavours built upon mutual respect and a shared desire for transformative collaboration,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“The Fiji National University is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly aligned with our pursuit of recognition in the Times Higher Education Annual Impact Rankings.”

“The journey ahead, while undoubtedly filled with challenges, holds immeasurable potential. Together, Fiji National University and Beijing Normal University embark on a mission to shape a future where educational excellence and international collaboration pave the way for progress.”

Beijing Normal University Vice-President, Professor Zhou Zuoyu, said his university was proud to have signed the MoU with FNU.

“The Beijing Normal University is keen to work with the Fiji National University in many areas. We will explore different and new ways to change education for us and the next generation,” Professor Zuoyu said.

“I acknowledge the Fiji National University for having us here today. Beijing Normal University’s roots trace back to the Department of Education within the Imperial University of Peking, established by order of the Qing Dynasty emperor.”

“Beijing Normal University is recognised as a world-class university, ranking among China’s top 36 universities listed in Class A. Additionally, 11 of its disciplines are included in China’s prestigious ‘Double-First Class’ Initiative, placing it 8th in the nation.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nabobo-Baba added that the collaboration signifies a shared commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and the transformative power of knowledge exchange.

“We are eager to embark on this journey, fostering a dynamic environment where cross-cultural perspectives drive innovation and inspire intellectual growth. We envision a rich programme of collaboration, research initiatives, and immersive cultural experiences that will benefit our students, faculty, and the broader academic community,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

Professor Nabobo-Baba thanked Beijing Normal University for choosing to partner with the Fiji National University by saying that the FNU community is confident that the alliance will yield extraordinary achievements in the years to come.