CityUHK and Abu Dhabi University form a strategic partnership to advance Belt and Road collaboration

Li Jialin

13 Jan 2026

Professor Li (right) and Chancellor Ghassan Aouad.

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Abu Dhabi University (ADU) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formed a comprehensive partnership in teaching, research, and innovation through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration strengthens CityUHK's connections in the Middle East and demonstrates both universities’ commitment to advancing global education and research.

Ranked among the UAE’s top three universities, ADU is a leading advocate for sustainability in the region. It is also recognised for its strengths in Arts, Education and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Health Sciences. With a shared focus on sustainability, this initiative establishes a robust framework for broad academic cooperation. Key areas include faculty, researcher, and staff exchanges; student mobility programmes; and jointly organised research activities, international workshops, and seminars.

Professor Li Wen Jung, CityUHK’s Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy) and Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, formally signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions during the 3rd International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2025), held on 10-11 December 2025, hosted by ADU in the UAE. Themed “Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Nature, Technology, and Society,” the conference was dedicated to advancing and implementing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Professor Benjamin Horton sharing his expertise during the panel discussion on "The Green Revolution 2.0”.

Professor Horton (4th from right) shares his expertise during the panel discussion on "The Green Revolution 2.0”.

Professor Li Wen Jung discussing future challenges and opportunities on the "Artificial Intelligence and Society" panel.

Professor Li discusses future challenges and opportunities on the "Artificial Intelligence and Society" panel.

CityUHK representatives also participated in panel discussions at the conference. Professor Benjamin Horton, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment, delivered expert perspectives on the panel "The Green Revolution 2.0: Strategic Collaborative Pathways Between Industry, Academia, and Government for Global Sustainability," while Professor Li shared insights on "Artificial Intelligence and Society: Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Research, Innovation, Challenges, and Opportunities.

CityUHK remains committed to fostering academic and scientific collaboration through strategic partnerships with leading universities and organisations worldwide. For more information about CityUHK’s global alliances, please visit the thematic website.