World Economic Forum Initiates Joint PhD Programme with Leading Chinese University

* World Economic Forum establishes joint PhD programme with Nankai University in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
* Programme to further deepen Forum’s cooperation with China
* Forum’s innovative educational partnership to be extended to other leading universities in the future
* For more information see http://www.weforum.org


Geneva, Switzerland - The World Economic Forum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nankai University in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, to create a joint PhD programme. Nankai University is recognized as one of the leading academic and research institutions in China. This innovative partnership further illustrates the Forum’s commitment to deepening relations with China and creating a larger pool of highly developed professionals prepared for the global challenges of the 21st century.

Professor Gilbert Probst, Managing Director and Dean of the Global Leadership Fellows Programme, World Economic Forum, said: “The Forum is pleased to announce this collaboration with Nankai University which will provide our colleagues with a highly attractive further development opportunity in a Chinese environment. We expect to announce similar arrangements in the near future with other universities around the world.”

Candidates will propose dissertations that provide new insights into areas related to the mission of the Forum – “improving the state of the world”. Topics will be chosen from among global, regional and industry agendas which the Forum supports through its initiatives and programmes, such as global health, education, mining and metals, environment, anti-corruption and more. The PhD degrees will be conferred by Nankai University in cooperation with the World Economic Forum.

Founded in 1919 and located in Tianjin, Nankai University has built its reputation on its comprehensive range of academic disciplines.

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