On October 14, 2023, as part of the 120th anniversary celebration of Hebei University of Technology, the International Forum of University Presidents was held in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province. Twenty-two honored experts and scholars from seven countries including the United States, Finland, and New Zealand attended the meeting. Themed by “Higher Engineering Education in New Era: Opportunities and Challenges”, the forum focuses on new concepts, new modes, and new methods of internationalized higher engineering education for the future.

The guest presidents gave presentations from diverse dimensions and perspectives, covering geographies of higher education, university classification and transformation, education sustainability, future scientific and technological development, interdisciplinary study, as well as integration of industry and education. Based on successful and practical experience, all presentations revealed novel research perspectives, forward-looking and constructive strategies.

A highlight of higher education entitled International Cooperation Empowers Talent Cultivation was prioritized during the session. Presidents discussed keys in talent cultivation, faculty development, concept exchange, and exchange mechanisms. A new consensus on international education cooperation was reached and named after its geographical location as “Xiong’an Consensus”.

The consensus intends to accelerate and deepen the educational collaboration between the university and other universities at all levels, resonating with higher efficiency, broadening fields and elevating quality, and functionalize the university’s role in talent cultivation.