The Minister decided to visit UNESCO-IHE since in the last 20 years UNESCO-IHE has trained 150 junior staff and 100 senior managers for his ministry and affiliated river basin authorities. The Minister was briefed on the long-term strategic plans of the Institute. In particular, the possibility of the establishment of an UNESCO-IHE Global Campus in Asia was warmly received.

Agreement

The Minister proposed to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the MWR of China and UNESCO-IHE. This MoU shall be signed during the 5th International Yellow River Forum to be held in September, 2012. The MoU seeks to strength the long-term close and effective cooperation in the areas of mutual interests and strengths. The priority areas are: (1) the support of MWR for the UNESCO-IHE Global Campus in Asia; (2) exchange of staff for organizing seminars and workshops; (3) organization of tailor-made training courses for professionals, middle managers at Division Chief level, and senior managers at Director General levels; and (4) conducting joint research in the fields of flood management, soil and water conservation, water pollution, and integrated water resources management.

Delegation

Members of the delegation also included the Director-Generals of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Water Resources, and Flood Control Headquarters. Chinese students studying at UNESCO-IHE met the Minister and his delegation.