On August 27, 2025, the University of Juba proudly hosted a delegation of Chinese scholars and officials from the Chinese Embassy at the Dean’s Hall in the Main Administration Building. This high-level engagement aimed to strengthen academic and diplomatic ties between the University of Juba and academic institutions in China.
Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, welcomed the visiting delegation and University of Juba Senior Management, underscoring the strategic importance of academic collaboration with China. He highlighted the potential for technology transfer, particularly in the fields of mineral exploration and agriculture. While South Sudan is endowed with abundant natural resources, Prof. Deng emphasized the country’s need for enhanced technical knowledge and skilled manpower.
Prof. Deng expressed hope for continued Chinese support in training South Sudanese scholars in minerals, geology, and agriculture. He also reflected on China’s transformative initiatives; Project 211 and Project 985 – as models of academic excellence, and welcomed further engagement from Chinese academic Prof Wang on issues of democracy, development, education, and investment. He expressed his interest in receiving a formal invitation from the Head of the Chinese academic delegation to further solidify academic collaborations.
Prof. Isaac Cleto Rail, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, extended appreciation to the visiting scholars for honoring the university’s invitation. He reaffirmed the University of Juba’s commitment to building strong academic partnerships, particularly in the areas of capacity building and research. He also acknowledged the Chinese government’s initiative to support the construction of Juba Teaching Hospital, which is pivotal for health education and service delivery in South Sudan.
Prof. Qi Yanping, Head of the Chinese Delegation, conveyed gratitude to the University of Juba for hosting the China – South Sudan High-Level Peace and Development Symposium, and praised the beauty and architecture of the campus. Prof. Yanping emphasized the role of universities in driving development through education, research, and community service. He noted the importance of key pillars such as economy, peace, culture, and communication, stating, “Peace and culture play an important role in development. Universities are key in promoting both peace and dialogue.”
He also shared that the Chinese delegation consisted of scholars from a diverse range of academic institutions, and they were keen to exchange ideas and learn from their counterparts at the University of Juba, particularly regarding the institutional role in peacebuilding and societal development.
Prof. Venansio Tombe Muludiang, the Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Community Outreach, reflected on the shared historical experiences of liberation struggles between China and South Sudan. Speaking on the outcomes of the China-South Sudan High-Level Peace and Development Symposium held on August 25, 2025, he highlighted China’s remarkable development journey and emergence as the world’s second-largest economy. Prof. Muludiang echoed the views of his colleague, Prof. Sibrino Barnaba Forojalla, on the fundamental role of education in nation-building and called for deeper collaboration with Chinese institutions to enhance academic training and research at the University of Juba.
The visit concluded with a range of interactive engagements, including networking sessions, the exchange of tokens of appreciation, and a guided tour of key university facilities led by Prof Isaac Cleto Rial, such as UniPod and the E-Learning Classroom.
This landmark visit represents a significant milestone in fostering academic and diplomatic cooperation between South Sudan and China. It underscores the vital role of education, research, and cultural exchange in advancing peace, development, and mutual understanding.
By Ms. Ann P. James