Marked by the broad participation of the academic communities from Greece and China, Harokopio University of Athens successfully hosted the “2nd Sino-Hellenic Higher Education Workshop and Chinese Universities Exhibition”. The event coincided with a historic milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Greece and China (2006–2026). The initiative was co-organized by Study in Greece (SiG), the national agency for the internationalization of Greek higher education, and the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, with Harokopio University serving as the central academic host and venue for bilateral dialogue.
A total of 34 higher education institutions, 18 distinguished universities and research centers from the People’s Republic of China and 16 Greek public universities, convened at Harokopio University’s campus. The university’s modern infrastructure fully supported the event’s requirements, accommodating the plenary session, official addresses, the Chinese Universities Exhibition, and bilateral networking sessions, and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to deepening educational and scientific collaboration.
The Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Internationalization and Quality Assurance, Professor Chryssa Sofianopoulou, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Rectoral Authorities and extended a warm welcome to the delegations. In her address, Professor Sofianopoulou underscored that internationalization lies at the core of the university’s mission, emphasizing that the true strength of an academic institution is not confined to the knowledge generated within its campus, but is primarily reflected in its readiness to engage globally, embrace innovative ideas, and build enduring bridges of cooperation. Furthermore, she expressed great satisfaction with Harokopio University serving as a catalyst and launchpad for new academic synergies, noting the shared expectation that the workshop will translate mutual academic interests into tangible initiatives, including joint curricula, research partnerships, and enhanced mobility opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers.
A key institutional milestone of the day was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Study in Greece and the CSCSE, executed in the presence of diplomatic representatives and university leadership.
The workshop featured presentations on institutional best practices and research initiatives from leading institutions, including Southwest University, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), the Athens University of Economics and Business, Panteion University, and the University of Patras. Concurrently, the Chinese Universities Exhibition held on campus drew significant interest from students and researchers exploring study programs, funding opportunities, and international exchange pathways. The afternoon proceedings culminated in targeted bilateral networking meetings, during which faculty and leadership from Harokopio University and other Greek institutions engaged directly with Chinese university delegations, laying the groundwork for joint degree offerings and collaborative research projects.
