Professor Zou Tongqian, president of the China Academy of Culture and Tourism Industries at Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and former vice-president of the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (Silk Road University), has recently been appointed vice-president of the Central Asian University on Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) by Uzbekistan's National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

This appointment marks a significant transition for Zou from his deep academic roots in tourism and cultural heritage to a broader focus on ecological and green technology. It also highlights the increasing contributions of Chinese scholars within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Professor Zou delivers his inaugural speech.

After the appointment, Zou will primarily focus his efforts on the development of the new Green University while continuing to serve as a visiting professor at the Silk Road University. His involvement is seen as a strategic move by Uzbekistan to leverage Chinese expertise in accelerating reforms in its research systems.

During his tenure at the Silk Road University, Zou achieved remarkable success, enhancing educational collaboration between China and Uzbekistan. He played a pivotal role in raising the university's admission standards, establishing dual-degree and joint doctoral programs, and securing international recognition and funding for various projects.

In his new role, Zou has introduced an innovative "TIM" academic framework at the Green University, which stands for green technology, green industry and economy, and sustainable management. This framework aims to integrate technology development, industry application, and policy management.

Zou will focus on research, technological innovation, and doctoral education, further strengthening collaboration between BISU and the Green University. He aims to integrate China's ecological civilization and green development experiences into Uzbekistan's national strategies.

Zou (third from right) and his students pose for a group photo.

In his inaugural speech, Zou highlighted the transformative potential of technological revolutions, particularly artificial intelligence, and advocated for research to address societal challenges and inform policy-making. In his view, the Green University is poised to become a think tank and a driver for ecological transformation in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.