Vice President Li Huajun (R) talks with Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin

Vice President Li Huajun of the Ocean University of China (OUC) met with Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at the level of Assistant Director-General, on October 26, 2015, at Laoshan campus. They had a discussion to explore possibilities of collaboration in marine education, marine observation and marine academic organizations.

Vice President Li extended warm welcome to Dr. Ryabinin before giving an overview of OUC. He said OUC is now facing both opportunities and challenges when China is building itself into a strong ocean country while implementing the One Belt and One Road initiative. 

“The internationalization strategy that OUC is carrying out now will facilitate the improvement in our academic work and faculty development through exchange and cooperation with other academic institutions across the world,” Vice President Li said, adding that OUC is willing to work together with IOC in developing new ideas and technologies to better protect and utilize the ocean. 

“I am sure the IOC will play an important role in facilitating our work related to marine education and research, as well as the development of International Alliance of Marine-related Institutions (IAMRI),” Vice President Li continued, saying that it is necessary for both OUC and IOC to have a deeper collaborationin the establishment of new academic organizations and ocean observation.

Dr. Ryabinin spoke highly of OUC’s contribution to marine education and research. He said China, as a large ocean country, enjoys a unique advantage of resources and potential of development in marine education and research. He said OUC plays a big role in China’s marine programs, and will play a bigger role in this regard in collaboration with counterparts in other parts of the world.

“I cannot agree more with you in proposing the establishment of a sub-committee of IOC, which will surely facilitate our work here in China,” said Dr. Ryabinin, adding that he will put this proposal in his report to the IOC. 

Representatives from the International Office and the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences were also present at the meeting.

After the meeting, Dr. Ryabinin gave a lecture titled “The Ocean, Environment and Sustainable Development” at the College of Environmental Science and Engineering.

Translated by Ellen GOUs

Proofread by William ZOU