The opening ceremony of the 2026 China-Saudi International Summer Training Programme on Nuclear Science and Technology was held in HEU’s Library on 8 July. Attendees included SHEN Lixin, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Department of the China Atomic Energy Authority; YANG Caiming, Deputy Party Secretary of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Ltd.; and Vice President YIN Hang of HEU.

YIN Hang highlighted broad prospects for China-Saudi nuclear energy cooperation, describing the training programme as a vivid example of pragmatic bilateral collaboration. He encouraged participants to master professional expertise, strengthen practical capabilities, experience Chinese culture and deepen mutual understanding, working together to advance the sustainable development of global nuclear energy.

SHEN Lixin emphasised nuclear energy cooperation as a cornerstone of China-Saudi scientific and energy partnerships. The training platform facilitates exchanges between young scholars from both nations to drive mutual progress in nuclear technology, safety management and talent cultivation.

YANG Caiming stated that China National Nuclear Corporation operates the world’s fully integrated nuclear industrial chain, with China Zhongyuan serving as the primary implementer of China-Saudi nuclear energy cooperation. He called for deeper bilateral exchanges to advance global sustainable nuclear energy development.

Student representatives from both sides delivered speeches expressing anticipation for the training, followed by cultural performances by international students from HEU’s International College.

On 9 July, SHEN Lixin delivered the first lecture titled “40 Years of China’s Nuclear Energy Development Experience”, sparking in-depth discussions between Chinese and Saudi scholars on topics including nuclear waste disposal.

The three-week training curriculum delivers core nuclear science and technology courses alongside expert frontier seminars, supplemented by Chinese cultural experience sessions such as calligraphy and tea art.

Jointly hosted with King Abdulaziz University — Saudi Arabia’s only public research university offering nuclear engineering programmes, located in Jeddah — the summer programme exemplifies HEU’s leverage of its nuclear discipline strengths to advance international nuclear energy collaboration. It reinforces the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia and fosters lasting youth exchanges between the two countries.