BEIJING, 17 October 2025 – The 2025 Worldwide Energy University Network (WEUN) Secretariat Meeting was successfully held on October 16-17 at the Chair University, China University of Petroleum-Beijing (CUP). This significant gathering, jointly organized by the WEUN Secretariat and CUP, marked the Network’s first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing global ties in energy education and innovation.
The meeting brought together more than 20 representatives from WEUN member universities across 10 countries, including China, the United States, France, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.
The opening ceremony on October 16 was chaired by Professor Zhang Guangqing, WEUN Secretary-General and Vice President of CUP. Professor Wang Tongqi, Chancellor of CUP, delivered a welcome address. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Li Luguang, Vice President of WPC Energy, and Mr. Liu Xiaodong, District Governor of Changping District, Beijing Municipality, also addressed the assembly. Representatives from key member universities shared insights on their institutions’ advancements and visions for energy education and scientific innovation.
During the Secretariat Meeting, Secretary-General Professor Zhang Guangqing highlighted WEUN’s achievements since its establishment in 2018, particularly in energy education, resource sharing, joint research, and talent development. He outlined the Network’s strategic direction, emphasizing enhanced collaboration through international degree programs, joint research projects, student competitions, summer schools, and global internships to cultivate future energy leaders with a global perspective.
Mrs. Yang Wei, WEUN Deputy Secretary-General, alongside other member representatives, presented and engaged in productive discussions on critical topics such as energy education models, research collaboration mechanisms, and strengthening global partnerships.
The agenda also included technical visits to CNPC’s Beijing Petroleum Machinery facility, National Key Laboratories, and cultural activities. Furthermore, eight bilateral meetings among member universities were conducted, laying a stronger foundation for future cooperative initiatives.
This Secretariat Meeting served as a vital platform for deepening mutual understanding and practical cooperation among WEUN members. It successfully charted a clear course for the Network's future, reinforcing its role in driving innovative energy education and supporting the global energy sector's green and low-carbon transformation.
Background:
The Worldwide Energy University Network (WEUN), initiated by China University of Petroleum-Beijing in 2018, has grown from 28 to 32 leading energy universities across 17 countries. To date, WEUN has facilitated over 50 inter-university visits, 50 student programs, and 200 academic events, and has established eight joint research centers, engaging more than 30,000 faculty and students worldwide. This demonstrates the Network’s strong cohesion and expanding global influence in fostering academic excellence and collaboration in the energy field.
