Delegation explores sustainable collaboration opportunities

The University of Adelaide welcomed delegates from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on a three-day visit to its campuses to explore a more sustainable future for society.

University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (External Engagement) Professor Jessica Gallagher said the international visit offered an exciting opportunity to nurture further connections with Asia.

"The goals and actions of the Asian Development Bank align with the University's commitment to sustainability and its ambition to lead and deliver positive and sustainable change for good," she said.

“The University of Adelaide is committed to creating a more sustainable future: our ambition is to lead and deliver positive and sustainable change for good.

“Across our research, teaching, community outreach, and campus operations, we seek to better understand the interdependence, complexity and criticality of climate, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies for future global prosperity."

ADB is the principal international development finance institution for the Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 1966 to foster economic growth and cooperation in the region. It provides loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development, in line with its goals to eradicate extreme poverty.

The delegates met with University’s research and education leaders as well as external organisations and government representatives to explore potential areas of collaboration within the artificial intelligence and machine learning, space technology, entrepreneurship, green energy and agriculture spaces, all with a focus on sustainability.

Joining key members of ADB during the visit that began on 9 September, were representatives from the Filipino Departments of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, and Science and Technology, as well as leaders of Philippines, Indonesian and Vietnamese tertiary institutions.

The visitors spent time at University’s North Terrace and Waite campuses as well as visiting innovation districts like Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District and BioMed City, which includes the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).