THE THIRD SUMMIT OF THE ASEAN–CHINA UNIVERSITIES ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (AASD): STRENGTHENING CONNECTIVITY, ADVANCING COOPERATION AND CREATING SUSTAINABLE VALUES

          On November 12, 2026, the Third Summit of the ASEAN–China Universities Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD) was held at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University (RMU), Thailand. The Summit marked an important milestone in strengthening the Alliance’s institutional foundation, reinforcing its shared identity and advancing practical cooperation among member universities.

          Initiated by Nghe An University (NAU), Vietnam, AASD brings together six founding universities from Vietnam, China, Thailand and the Philippines: Nghe An University (NAU), Guangxi University (GXU), Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University (RMU), Udon Thani Rajabhat University (UDRU), Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), and Pangasinan State University (PSU). The Alliance aims to promote cooperation in education, research, innovation and academic exchange, contributing to sustainable development.

          The Third Summit built on the achievements of the previous two Summits. The First Summit, hosted by NAU, officially launched the Alliance, while the Second Summit, hosted by Guangxi University, focused on developing the Action Plan and Operational Regulations. Hosted by RMU, the Third Summit continued this progress by consolidating the Alliance’s institutional foundation and collective identity, while promoting concrete cooperation programmes.

          Member universities reaffirmed their commitment to AASD’s shared vision, mission and objectives, emphasizing equality, resource sharing, active participation and mutual development.

          The Summit emphasized the need to translate institutional commitments into tangible outcomes. Priority areas include student, faculty and researcher exchanges; joint academic programmes and credit transfer arrangements; collaborative research and international publications; conferences, seminars and webinars; as well as international summer camps and cultural exchange activities.

These initiatives aim to expand learning opportunities for students, strengthen research capacity and promote the internationalization of higher education.

          Member universities were encouraged to actively share resources, participate in joint activities and explore new cooperation opportunities. AASD also welcomes additional universities and educational institutions that share its commitment to sustainable development and international academic cooperation, with the aim of building an open, inclusive and dynamic academic network connecting ASEAN and China.

          As the initiator of AASD and its Secretariat institution, Nghe An University continues to play a key role in connecting member universities, coordinating activities and facilitating joint cooperation programmes.

          NAU’s contributions include drafting the Alliance Charter, co-organizing international conferences and seminars, promoting academic exchange, and preparing to host an international student summer camp in June 2027. These efforts demonstrate the University’s commitment to advancing the Alliance’s shared objectives.

          The Third Summit concluded with a strong commitment to transforming shared visions into practical and sustainable cooperation outcomes. It opened new opportunities for knowledge connectivity, resource sharing, research collaboration and international exchange, further strengthening AASD as a dynamic international academic community.