Juba, South Sudan – August 27, 2025
The University of Juba hosted a high-level delegation of Chinese scholars and officials from the Embassy of China to South Sudan at the Dean’s Hall, Main Administration Building. The visit aimed to strengthen academic and diplomatic ties, foster collaboration, and explore opportunities for capacity building in education, research, and development.
Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the strategic importance of partnerships with China. He highlighted the potential for technology transfer in sectors such as mineral exploration and agriculture and stressed South Sudan’s need for skilled human capital to leverage its abundant natural resources. Prof. Deng also cited China’s Project 211 and Project 985 as exemplary models of academic excellence and expressed interest in further collaboration with Chinese scholars, particularly in democracy, development, education, and investment.
Prof. Isaac Cleto Rial, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering partnerships that strengthen research, training, and capacity building. He acknowledged China’s support in constructing the Juba Teaching Hospital, a cornerstone for health education and service delivery in South Sudan.
Prof. Qi Yanping, Head of the Chinese Delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and praised the University of Juba campus. She emphasized universities’ roles in promoting development, peace, and dialogue, highlighting the interconnected pillars of economy, culture, and communication in nation-building. She also noted the delegation’s keen interest in exchanging ideas on peacebuilding, societal development, and academic excellence.
Prof. Venansio Tombe Muludiang, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Community Outreach, reflected on the shared historical experiences of South Sudan and China, underscoring the importance of education in nation-building. He, along with Prof. Sibrino Barnaba Forojalla, called for deeper collaboration with Chinese institutions to enhance research, training, and academic innovation at the University of Juba.
The visit included interactive sessions, the exchange of tokens of appreciation, and a guided tour of key facilities, including UniPod and the E-Learning Classroom, led by Prof. Rial.
This landmark engagement marks a significant milestone in academic and diplomatic cooperation between South Sudan and China. It highlights the pivotal role of education, research, and cultural exchange in advancing peace, development, and mutual understanding between nations.