The Chinese visitors included members of his official delegation, key representatives of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Switzerland, and representatives of the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports (FOCUSS), led by Secretary General Chen Dongsheng.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) had the pleasure of welcoming a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and from at its headquarters in Lausanne for an official meeting and institutional visit on 23 March.
The delegation, led by Minister Huai Jinpeng himself included members of his official delegation, key representatives of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Switzerland, and representatives of the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports (FOCUSS), led by Secretary General Chen Dongsheng.
They were warmly welcomed by FISU President, Leonz Eder, FISU Secretary General/CEO Matthias Remund, FISU Treasurer Bayasgalan Danzandorj, FISU Deputy Secretary General Fernando Parente and FISU Chief of Staff Hanspeter Waegli.
After a visit of the Synathlon building situated on the University of Lausanne campus, FISU hosted a meeting focused on current and future collaboration in the development of sport and education, on the International University Sports new strategy centred on sport events, education, student wellbeing and sustainability and resources and of course on FISU’s upcoming Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade in China.
“It is an honour and a great pleasure to welcome such an important host as Minister Jinpeng at our headquarters”, said FISU President Leonz Eder. “This courtesy visit contributes to further strengthen the already great relationship between FISU and the People’s Republic of China. We will organise events there together in 2026, with the FISU World University Championships Cycling in Zhangjiakou and Mind Sports in Liaocheng and of course the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade from 15-25 January.”
In his address, President Eder highlighted the importance of engaging directly with students and embedding sport within university ecosystems, a philosophy strongly shared with China. He also praised the country’s consistent excellence in delivering major events and its commitment to innovation, reliability, trust and partnership.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Healthy Campus programme, where China, with the support of FOCUSS, is demonstrating strong leadership by promoting a holistic vision of student wellbeing, integrating physical activity, mental health and healthy lifestyles.
“Over the years, our collaboration has delivered successful major events and meaningful initiatives that have contributed to the global development of university sport”, stated Minister Huai Jinpeng. “Looking ahead, we believe this partnership should continue to deepen, particularly in promoting wider participation in sport, advancing student health and wellbeing, and supporting initiatives such as the Healthy Campus programme. These priorities are fully aligned with China’s national vision for sport and education, strongly supported by the Chinese government and President Xi Jinping, to foster healthier, more active and more resilient younger generations.”
FISU and the Chinese authorities, as well as the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports (FOCUSS) have shared many important achievements in the past and will surely continue during the upcoming years. “We remain committed to working closely with FISU to build an even stronger future for university sport worldwide, concluded the Minister of Education.”
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