CHANGSHU, Suzhou— HM Queen Noor of Jordan and over 500 guests from across China and the world met in Changshu to celebrate the opening of United World College Changshu China. Suzhou and Changshu government leaders, UWC international leadership and alumni, diplomats, academics, and business elites joined students  for today’s celebration. 

Fifteen United World Colleges on five continents bring together students from all over the world with the explicit aim of fostering peace and international understanding. The Changshu campus is the first UWC in the mainland of China.

Today’s ceremony marks the official opening of the college, home to 129 students from 54 countries and regions.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan said, “UWC Changshu China is being established as China rises to global prominence. The world needs future leaders who are inspired to make a positive difference. Today, young people from all over China and the world will meet in Changshu, to not only excel in any field they choose, but also to find solutions to the world’s most intractable problems.”

Suzhou Vice-Mayor Wang Hongsheng said, “Education is the foundation of a nation’s prosperity, and is also the fundamental way for humanity to pass culture and knowledge to younger generations in pursuit of a better future. UWC provides a unique international education and its successful educational philosophy has been recognized across the world. China’s first UWC campus is located in Changshu. This is an honor which affirms Suzhou’s achievements in education.”

Changshu Mayor Wang Yang said, “The opening of UWC Changshu China marks an exciting new milestone in the millennium-old history of Changshu. In this era of globalization, Changshu is actively integrating itself in the international economy and nurturing global talent.”

Mark Wang, Founder and Chairman of UWC Changshu China, said, “UWC changed my life. Now the dream of bringing UWC’s unique education to China has become a reality. Educating talented students from diverse backgrounds with ambition and an international mindset is our goal.