The Inaugural Summit of the League of Tropical Universities (LTU) kicked-off on November 14, 2023 in Sanya, Hainan Province in China.

The League of Tropical Universities(LTU), is a non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to building open, inclusive and innovative multilateral platforms for international cooperation and exchanges. The LTU brings together universities and research institutions on a voluntary basis, with a common commitment to advancing higher education and socio-economic development in tropical regions.

The Summit featured live and remote speeches including by Ministers of State and other leading officials and experts in Higher Education in China. The various speakers emphasized the significance of the LTU in empowering talent training and facilitating comprehensive development in tropical regions. They encouraged member of the LTU units to leverage the advantages of the Hainan FTP, strengthen communication, and enhance interconnectivity.

Speaking to UDS Media upon their return from the Summit, the Director of the International Relations and Advancement, Prof. Courage Saba and the Director of the West Africa Center for Shea Innovation and Research (WACSIR), Prof. Abukari Alhassan said being a member of the LTU will inure to the benefit of UDS as it will help to promote interconnectivity among other higher education and research institutions in tropical regions, provide constructive solutions for local and global challenges, and harness opportunities in the latest wave of technological and industrial revolution.

The functions of the LTU are to promote collaborative talent training, facilitate joint research and social services, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. As of 14 November 2023, the LTU had a total of 40 member units from 18 countries and regions including China, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia and South Africa.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)