On December 13 (Geneva time), Yang Bin, vice president of Tsinghua University, paid an official visit to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva and had a meeting with Petteri Taalas, the secretary-general of WMO. On behalf of Tsinghua, Yang Bin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Petteri Taalas to mark the commencement of strategic cooperation. The meeting was presided over by the Assistant Secretary-General of WMO, Zhang Wenjian.

During the meeting, Yang Bin expressed his congratulations to WMO for its leading role in global development. He provided an overview of Tsinghua University and highlighted the progress made in implementing the University’s Global Strategy 2030. Yang emphasized that Tsinghua continues to focus on strengthening international collaborations in talent development and scientific research. Tsinghua has established multiple joint educational programs, and four overseas bases in the United States, Chile, Italy, and Indonesia. This strategic initiative aims to build a high-quality international talent cultivation system and promote global exchange and cooperation. Yang further underscored that Tsinghua firmly supports the development of earth science, public health, and related disciplines, actively shoulders its responsibility to address climate change and global health challenges, and promotes sustainable development through education and scientific research.

Petteri Taalas warmly welcomed Yang's visit, acknowledging Tsinghua's dedicated efforts and accomplishments in tackling global challenges, including climate change and public health, through interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral collaborations. He highlighted Tsinghua's pioneering initiative to establish the "Global Alliance of Universities on Climate Change", leading top universities worldwide to contribute to global climate governance with collaborative efforts. Taalas emphasized that the signing of the MoU with Tsinghua signifies a crucial step for WMO in promoting Public, Private and Academic Engagement. He expressed hope that, by leveraging Tsinghua's comprehensive advantages across various disciplines, both parties can better address global challenges in meteorology, climate, hydrology, earth science and public health collaboratively, providing elevated intellectual support for critical decision-making.

Tsinghua and WMO sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Collaboration

Following the meeting, Yang Bin and Petteri Taalas signed the MoU, outlining both parties’ commitments to deepen cooperation in forward-looking scientific research, talent development, students and faculty exchange, and to enhance the quality and accessibility of information services in meteorology, hydrology, environment, and health-related fields. This collaborative effort aims to collectively address rapidly emerging and evolving societal needs.

From Vanke School of Public Health and Department of Earth System Science 

Editor: Li Han