GRÓ Alumni in China gather at Networking Reception hosted by the Embassy of Iceland
GRÓ Alumni in China gathered at the Embassy of Iceland in Beijing yesterday at a networking reception hosted by the Embassy. Ambassador Þórir Ibsen warmly received the group and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with this dynamic and accomplished alumni community.
The Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Inga Dóra Pétursdóttir, introduced the idea of establishing a GRÓ Alumni China Network, connecting alumni across their fields of expertise. On behalf of the alumni, Susan Sun addressed the gathering, shared her fond memories from Iceland and the value of the group’s continued collaboration and exchange.
The reception was lively and engaging, marking the first occasion that the group had met as a whole. With shared experiences and professional achievements to discuss, the atmosphere was filled with energy and enthusiasm.
The knowledge and expertise acquired by these alumni has had a significant impact in China, where many now serve in key positions across a range of sectors. The event aimed to strengthen these ties and provide a platform for new ideas and future collaboration—particularly in geothermal energy, fisheries and gender equality where strong partnerships already exist or could further evolve.
Iceland has enjoyed a longstanding and fruitful cooperation with China in capacity building through GRÓ – the International Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change. Chinese fellows were among the first participants in the United Nations University training programmes in Iceland, which began in 1979 and which have since 2020 operated under the GRÓ Centre, a UNESCO Category 2 Centre based in Iceland.
To date, 122 fellows from China have graduated from three of GRÓ’s training programmes: 92 from the GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme, 29 from the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme, and one from the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme. This enduring partnership continues to provide a solid foundation for future collaboration between Iceland and China.