From June 25 to July 5, 2025, China University of Petroleum-Beijing hosted the 2025 “Future Energy Leaders”World Energy University Network (WEUN)Summer School. The program welcomed over 60 outstanding representatives from 21 energy-focused universities across 15 countries—including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Brazil, France, Portugal, Vietnam, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Iran, Moldova, and India. Centered on the theme “Co-Creating a Sustainable Energy Future,”the summer school aimed to fosterglobal dialogue and exchange among future energy leaders through academic lectures, enterprise visits, cultural immersion, and exploration of China’s energy transition practices.
At the opening ceremony, Zhang Guangqing, Vice President of China University of Petroleum-Beijing (CUP), extended a warm welcome to all participants. He noted that since CUP initiated the establishment of WEUN in 2018,, the network had grown into a key platform for internationalcollaboration among 31 leading energy-focused universities across 17 countries. CUPhad served as chair institution for two consecutive terms. Vice President Zhang thenemphasized that this summer school, bringing together top young talent from the global energy sector, provided anvaluable opportunity to deepen cooperation among member institutions and jointly shape the future of sustainable energy. He urged participants to leverage this platform to gain deep insights into China’s energy transition practices, spark new ideas, develop cross-border friendships and collaboration and contribute innovative ideas to address global energy challenges.
Throughout the program, students attended a series of high-level academic lectures delivered by esteemed academicians and industry experts. These lectures provided a comprehensive overview of China’s national energy strategy, cutting-edge technological advancements, and the role of artificial intelligence in the energy sector. Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions with scholars, gaining insights into the future direction of global energy innovation.
Hands-on learning was a key highlight of the summer school. Participants visited several leading enterprises, including Xiaomi Auto’ s intelligent manufacturing facility, iFLYTEK CO.LTD. Headquarters (AI technology applications), and Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone (hydrogen R&D projects). These field visits offered firsthand exposure to China’s advancements in smart technology and new energy development.
The program also included a variety of rich cultural experiences. Students visited a local primary school for cross-cultural exchanges, sharing traditionsfrom their hometown. They engaged in traditional Chinese cultural workshops featuring martial arts, calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Chinese medicine. Site visits to the Juyong Pass of the Great Wall, the Palace Museum, and the Dingling Mausoleum, as well as a Beijing opera performance, offered students a deeper appreciation of Chinese history and the vibrancy of modern urban life.
At the closing ceremony, students from all participating countries expressed their gratitude and shared that the 11-day experience provided them with a systematic understanding of China’s energy development, a broader perspective on global energy transition opportunities, and lasting cross-cultural friendships.
The Worldwide Energy University Network (WEUN) was established on September 22, 2018 by CUP in collaboration with 28 global energy-focused universities. With its secretariat based in Beijing, WEUN is committed to building a global energy education community and advancing international cooperation in research and talent cultivation. The network now includes 31 member institutions from 17 countries.