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Former US president Dr. Jimmy Carter launches The Carter Center's first overseas institutional tie at HKBU

HKBU officially opened a joint venture with The Carter Center (TCC), namely The Carter Center – Hong Kong Baptist University Initiative (TCC – HKBUI) today (12 December). The very first institutional tie established by TCC outside the US, the new initiative aims at drawing together the strengths and expertise of both institutions to spearhead a range of collaborative projects in educational, social and humanitarian areas for the advancement of society.

Officiating at the grand opening ceremony were Dr. Jimmy Carter, Former US President and Co-chair of The Carter Center; Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, Co-chair of The Carter Center; Dr. John Hardman, President and CEO of The Carter Center; Mr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, and Professor Albert Chan, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU. After the ceremony, HKBU staff and students seized the valuable opportunity to interact with Dr. Carter, who shared his personal experience and insights.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Albert Chan said: "This Initiative will focus on health communication and world peace, with emphasis on education, research, and knowledge transfer. We hope that with the support and expertise of The Carter Center, HKBU can further its mission of delivering Whole Person Education and become a strong partner in the quest for a better tomorrow."

Dr. Carter was excited about the opportunity to visit and collaborate with HKBU, which shares the same ideals with TCC. He hoped the new initiative will extend the influence of TCC to Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as promote peace and democracy in every part of the world.

Themes for prospective projects to be carried out by the Initiative are education, health communication and world peace. New study, research and volunteer opportunities will become available to undergraduate and postgraduate students, including internships and scholarships. Five 10-week internship opportunities will be offered to HKBU students at TCC – HKBUI and two with TCC in the US, where students will participate in forums, conferences and training workshops.

In pursuit of advancements in health communication, TCC – HKBUI will conduct health communication research with HKBU's faculties/schools, covering the proposed topics of Chinese Medicine Theory-based Health Care Promotion; Health Communication Study on Worldwide Health Care Systems; Youth Health Habits and Information Seeking Behaviour; Understanding Discrimination Associated with Diseases, and Communicating Effectively with People with Disabilities.

TCC – HKBUI will collaborate with the Special Olympics and related organisations to empower people challenged by mental health problems and intellectual disabilities. The projects will seek to promote increased awareness of mental health and intellectual disabilities issues.

TCC is at the forefront of humanitarian organisations working for world peace and security. Proposed topics for TCC – HKBUI in the promotion of world peace include Social Stability, Conflict Resolution, and Collective Decision Making and Participation.

Co-founded in 1982 by Dr. Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 2002, and his wife, Rosalynn, The Carter Center is a non-governmental organisation guided by a fundamental commitment to the championship of human rights and alleviation of human suffering around the world. In recognition of his remarkable achievements in bringing about meaningful change in society and the betterment of mankind in his post-presidency era, the University conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, on Dr. Carter at its Commencement held last month.

	(From left) Dr. John Hardman, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, Dr. Jimmy Carter, Mr. Wilfred Wong and President Albert Chan officiate at the grand opening ceremony of TCC – HKBUI

	Dr. Jimmy Carter (left) shares his personal experience and insights with HKBU staff and students in a sharing session moderated by Professor Zhao Xinshu, Dean of Communication