The East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in Shanghai launched a talent training summer school program Monday, targeting youth from Arab nations and aiming to enhance China-Arab ties through education and talent cultivation.
Lasting for 20 days, this is the university's first summer school program for Arab youths, attracting 33 students from nine Arab countries. The program will offer them diverse lessons on aspects such as leadership, cross-cultural communication, technology, digital humanities, international relations, as well as visits to several leading Chinese tech companies and cultural tours around Shanghai.
Zhu Weihong, vice-president of the university, said at the launch ceremony that scientific and technological innovation is leading human civilization to make a leap forward. He encouraged young people from Arab countries to learn more about technology, promote mutual understanding and contribute to strengthening China-Arab ties.
China and Arab nations boast longstanding friendships and educational cooperation plays a critical role in deepening the ties, said Muhannad Alnaqbi, consul general of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai, who expects youths from both sides to collaborate more in diverse sectors, including green energy, technology and culture.
Abdulaziz, one of the 33 students on the program who is deeply interested in Chinese culture, said he wants to take the chance to learn more about China, improve his professional skills and contribute to the cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Focusing on an interdisciplinary approach that combines technology and humanities, the program will enable participants to comprehensively learn about China's technological advances, and aims to equip them with a global perspective to enhance youth communication between the regions.
