On May 19, Beijing Forestry University (BFU) welcomed a delegation led by Carlos Aldeco, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative to China, to discuss enhancing global forestry collaboration. BFU Vice President Li Xiong and representatives from the School of Forestry and International Realtions Office attended the meeting. 

In his opening remarks, Li highlighted BFU's longstanding partnership with FAO especially since the signing of a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has enhanced the university's role in global ecological governance. He proposed expanding collaboration in talent development, scientific innovation, and knowledge sharing to align with international sustainability priorities. 

Aldeco praised BFU's accomplishments displayed at its history museum, highlighting forestry's vital contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He showed particular interest in strengthening collaboration through youth initiatives and technical training programs.

During the meeting, the head of BFU's International Relations Office presented an overview of the university and its past collaborations with FAO's Forestry Division. Discussions focused on renewing the MoU and advancing collaboration in youth talent development, capacity-building, and joint research, and key agreements included launching student internships, exploring South-South cooperation projects, and co-organizing events at the World Food Forum. 

Notably, BFU recently played an active role in participating in the FAO-led Asia-Pacific Youth action in forest health competition, attracting 160 young scholars from 15 countries.Currently, BFU and FAO are advancing a technical training center to facilitate professional training workshops, faculty-student internship programs, international academic exchanges and global knowledge-sharing. This visit reinforces BFU's growing influence in shaping global forestry agendas while creating opportunities for students to engage with UN sustainability projects.  

Written by Zhang Duo, Ren Lili
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang