The Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Sino-Finnish Joint Learning Innovation Institute was implemented with the two days opening ceremonies of the institute, hosted by the University of Helsinki. The event was organized by Rector Jukka Kola, Vice-Rector Anna Mauranen, Dean Patrik Scheinin from the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Professor, Dr. Hannele Niemi from the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences. The ceremonies gathered a highly distinguished group of guests from Beijing Normal University and other Chinese universities from the field of education. Also the Institutes Finnish board of directors, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Culture and other distinguished actors from the field of education were present.
Sun was shining on the participants of the opening event at the steps leading to the main building of University of Helsinki
Before the opening ceremonies there was some time to get to know each other at a casual get together for a morning coffee and tea hosted by Vice Rector Anna Mauranen. The get together was held at the main building of University of Helsinki in Lehtisali that holds portraits of important figures for Finnish education and culture on its walls as Dean, Professor Patrik Scheinin pointed out in his speech.
From left to right:
Associate Professor Wang Jun (王君), Deputy Director of Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Beijing Normal University
Professor Fan Lishuang (范立双), Director of Office of Humanities & Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University;
Professor Hannele Niemi, Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki;
Vice President, Professor Zhou Zuoyu (周作宇), Beijing Normal University;
Permanent Secretary Anita Lehikoinen, Ministry of Education and Culture;
Vice Rector, Professor Anna Mauranen, University of Helsinki;
Dean, Professor Patrik Scheinin, University of Helsinki, Behavioural Sciences;
Counselor in Science and Education Mika Tirronen, Embassy of Finland in Beijing
Vice Rector Anna Mauranen welcoming the guests to the opening event.
Dean, Professor Patrik Scheinin introduced the portraits of Finnish cultural icons in his welcoming speech.
The official opening ceremonies constituted of inspiring speeches about what has been done for the Sino-Finnish collaboration in education already and the positive expectations for the future collaboration.
Rector Jukka Kola from University of Helsinki giving his warm welcomes and opening the ceremonies.
Vice Presidet Zhou Zuoyu (周作宇) from Beijing Normal University giving an inspirational speech on the Sino-Finnish collaboration in education
Permanent Secretary Anita Lehikoinen representing the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture with a speech that promised support for the collaboration
Counselor in Science and Education Mika Tirronen from the Embassy of Finland in Beijing did not need the powerpoint to give a vivid presentation on the Sino-Finnish Learning Garden and cooperation in education
On the afternoon sessions of the events first day the participants had a pleasure to enjoy the hospitality of the Ministry of Education and Culture when the dialogue on the five centers of the Sino-Finnish Joint Innovation Institute was opened. This productive dialogue also continued on the second day of the event in the building of Behavioral Sciences at Siltavuorenpenger with a slightly smaller group of people.
Professor Hannele Niemi, Chair of the Finnish board of directors of the Sino-Finnish Joint Learning Institute welcoming the guests to the afternoon session and opening the conversation on the Institutes five centers
Vice President, Professor Zhou Zuoyu (周作宇) finishing the presentation of the Chinese perspective on the Sino-Finnish Joint Learning Innovation Institute
After the two days opening event there was some time for the Chinese delegation also to make field trips to the LUMA- center and the Viikki Teacher Training School affiliated to the University of Helsinki.
Visit to the LUMA- center of natural sciences and math. Research Director, Professor Maija Aksela gave an introduction to the Finnish LUMA- concept
Visit to the Viikki Teacher Training School. Rector of Primary Education, Kimmo Koskinen introducing the teacher training school
A big thank you for all the participants, speakers, hosts and everyone involved to the arrangements on this productive event.