From October 18 to 19, the “2025 Sino-Foreign Women University Presidents Forum” was successfully held at Xi’an Peihua University. Organized by Xi’an Peihua University and co-organized by the UK Cambridge EIT Innovation College and the UK Cambridge China Innovation Research Institute, the event received support from the United Nations Academic Impact, the China Education Technology Association, the China Education Association for International Exchange, and the Chinese Association for Technology Management. Centered on the theme “Women’s Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Higher Education: Wisdom, Innovation, and Navigation” the forum brought together participants to discuss the development of women’s education and pathways for reforming global higher education.
As a private university with a century-long tradition of women’s education, Xi’an Peihua University has actively responded to important initiatives from President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the critical role of women in the modernization process and encouraging students to be self-respecting, confident, independent, and resilient. During the forum, participants delved into the significant contributions of women in higher education and innovation, sharing cutting-edge ideas and practical experiences to collectively pave a broader path for women’s growth and development.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, Dr. Jiang Bo, Chairman of Xi’an Peihua University, extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to the attending guests. In his address, he reviewed the institution’s nearly century-long commitment to women’s education and career development since its founding in 1928. He highlighted that from its inception, the university was founded with the mission of “empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds and promoting their economic and personal independence.” A key milestone was the re-establishment in 1984 of Xi’an Peihua Women’s College, China’s first women’s university in the post-reform and opening-up era, marking a significant moment in the history of modern women’s vocational education in China. In advancing the internationalization of women’s education, Xi’an Peihua University has established partnerships with numerous higher education institutions across the globe, aiming to strengthen the international cultivation of women’s leadership, academic excellence, and innovation. Dr. Jiang emphasized that women are a vital force influencing families, society, and even global peace and development, underscoring the need for men and women to work hand in hand to advance educational endeavors. In today’s world, he urged higher education professionals to pool their wisdom and actively promote educational reform and international cooperation.
Address by Dr. Jiang Bo, Chairman of Xi’an Peihua University
Professor Li Hua, International President of Xi’an Peihua University, stated that the university is advancing its internationalization initiatives under the framework of the 15th Five-Year Plan, with this forum serving as a key step in building an open education ecosystem. The institution has shifted its educational focus toward research-oriented teaching and is actively creating a diverse and integrated learning environment through measures such as introducing AI-simulated educational scenarios, promoting resource development, and deepening international cooperation. Throughout this process, women’s education and leadership development remain central priorities. He emphasized that the event is not only an intellectual feast but also a concentrated demonstration of female empowerment. Professor Li expressed his hope that participating faculty and students would embark on this remarkable journey exploring women’s leadership, innovation, and global higher education with enthusiasm and open-mindedness, thereby contributing to the advancement of women’s education worldwide.
Address by Professor Li Hua, International President of Xi’an Peihua University
Ms. Beate Trankmann, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, affirmed China’s practices in the field of women’s education. She highlighted self-confidence as a cornerstone trait in shaping future leaders, encouraging women to actively cultivate and embrace this quality to demonstrate their strength in this era, thereby advancing both themselves and society toward a more equal and diverse future.
Address by Ms. Beate Trankmann, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China
Professor Ramu Damodaran, President of the United Nations Academic Impact; Mr. Wang Yongli, Vice President of the China Education Association for International Exchange; Professor Maurits Van Rooijen, President of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Germany; Professor Liu Liqun, President of China Women’s University; Professor Steve O. Michael, President of Danubius International University, Romania; Professor Li Guanghong, President of Shandong Women's University; Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, UK; Professor He Xujuan, President of Hunan Women’s University; Professor Jo Midgley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, UK; and Professor Phil Laird, Vice President and Associate Provost for Global Innovation and Academic Partnerships at Trinity Western University, Canada — these ten Chinese and international guests delivered keynote addresses focusing on themes such as “Women’s Leadership Roles in Academia,” “AI-Driven Smart Development in Higher Education,” “Bridging the Gender Digital Divide and Women’s Capacity Building,” “Advancing Gender Equality in Higher Education,” “Envisioning a Digital Future,” and “Exploring and Reflecting on Innovations in Entrepreneurship Education for Female University Students.”
The Participating Guests Delivering Their Addresses in Sequence
The two-day agenda featured multiple high-level dialogues and practical activities conducted concurrently. On October 19, the forum hosted round-table discussions centering on “AI-Driven Global Innovation” and “Women’s Leadership in the Digital Age,” where participants engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics including the future of women’s education in the technological era, the impact of artificial intelligence on educational innovation, and strategies for enhancing women’s leadership in academia. Simultaneously, two parallel sessions addressed core issues in women’s development, respectively examining “International Education Trends for the China Women’s University Alliance” and “Pathways to Enhancing Women’s Employability.” These sessions collaborated with the China Women’s University Alliance to assess global education development directions while providing targeted guidance addressing challenges in student career planning.
The Forum was Presided over by Lu Yang, International Academic Advisor of Xi’an Peihua University
Forum Scenes
During the forum, the Global Innovation Institute of Xi’an Peihua University was officially inaugurated, marking a significant step forward in the institution’s internationalization journey and representing a highlight of the event. Subsequently, Xi’an Peihua University formally signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Germany, further advancing the university’s global engagement. Meanwhile, to recognize outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting women’s development in higher education, the forum presented the “Peihua Women’s Leadership Award” to distinguished Chinese and international scholars in attendance.
Closing Address by Yao Wenjing, Vice President and Deputy Party Secretary of Xi’an Peihua University
The Global Innovation Institute of Xi’an Peihua University was Officially Launched
Xi’an Peihua University and German European University of Applied Sciences Officially Signed the Cooperation Agreement
Dr. Jiang Bo, Chairman of Xi’an Peihua University, Presented Awards to Chinese and International Scholars
The forum served as a radiant beacon, building a bridge for in-depth global dialogue on women’s education. Scholars and experts from various countries gathered to engage in profound discussions on key issues, sharing innovative practices and infusing new vitality and wisdom into educational development.
The successful hosting of this event has significantly elevated Xi’an Peihua University’s profile and influence on the international education stage, demonstrating its commitment to mission and responsibility. Moreover, it has contributed Peihua’s Wisdom and Solutions to building a diverse educational community, leading the institution to ride the wave of international education cooperation and reach new heights.
