The "Global Mayors Dialogue·Harbin" event commenced on Jan 6 in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, with mayors, deputy mayors, and mayoral representatives from cities in Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye, and China engaging in exchanges on practical approaches to developing the ice and snow economy. During the visit, the delegation toured the Space Museum at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT).
Mayors visits HIT Space Museum. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Andrew Knack, mayor of Edmonton, Canada, praised HIT as an incredible institution and hoped that Edmonton and HIT could expand talent and educational exchanges.
Andrew Knack gives an interview. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Heikki Kontiosalo, deputy speaker of the Rovaniemi City Council in Finland, stated that it would be beneficial to expand student exchange programs between Rovaniemi and HIT.
Heikki Kontiosalo gives an interview. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Ron Horton, vice-president of the China-Canada Business Association in Alberta, is well acquainted with the cultures of both countries. He stated that HIT is world-renowned for its strong programs, innovation, and teaching, and spoke highly of its Space Museum, believing that international students would find the prestige of attending HIT valuable in the global market.
Ron Horton gives an interview. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Kostis Masouras, an expert advisor from the Municipality of Chalandri in Greece, noted that visiting the HIT Space Museum deepened his understanding of China and praised the high quality of HIT’s education and its ranking.
Kostis Masouras gives an interview. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Marina Weidner, a member of the German delegation, was also keen to encourage more international students to study at HIT.
Marina Weidner gives an interview. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Chinese and international guests shared their practical experiences and common aspirations in areas such as the transformation of ice and snow resources. They issued the Harbin Initiative of the Global Mayors Dialogue.
Guided by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China, the event serves as a vital platform for exchange and cooperation, aiming to foster mutual learning and understanding and strengthen global collaboration.