Chevening Scholars welcomed to Cardiff University
9 March 2016
University strengthens links with future leaders.
Future world leaders have been welcomed to the University as part of a prestigious global scholarship programme.
Chevening is the UK government's global scholarship programme and a key part of the UK's diplomacy effort to bring young professionals who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK.
Following successful collaboration, this is the third Chevening Scholars event that has been held at Cardiff University. The University continues to strengthen its links with Chevening, signing a partnership agreement in July 2014 to co-fund ten Chevening - Cardiff Partnership Awards.
Professor Colin Riordan, President and Vice-Chancellor said “I am delighted that Cardiff University has strengthened its links with the Chevening programme. The numbers of scholars studying at the University has increased significantly this year, with 44 enrolled.
“We are proud to support the ambitions of these talented students. Events like this provide a unique opportunity for leaders of the future to build a global network of continuing professional significance and to establish social, cultural, academic and commercial partnerships with the UK.”
The theme of the event was ‘Best of British presents…Wales’. The event showcased both the unique culture and language of Wales, and provided an insight into contemporary Welsh politics and constitutional status within the UK.
Welcomed by the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan, the scholars also received a presentation on the Welsh language by the Head of the School of Welsh, Professor Sioned Davies. They also visited the home of the Welsh Assembly and were briefed on Welsh politics by Professor Roger Scully from the University's Wales Governance Centre.
Since its launch in 1983, Chevening has developed into a prestigious international scheme. This coming year the programme will support over 1,800 individuals from more than 160 countries and territories worldwide.
Scholars are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world. There are some 42,000 Chevening Alumni, forming one of the most influential and highly regarded global networks.
Many have gone on to reach positions of high influence. The programme boasts a former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Chairman of the Cairo Stock Exchange and Vice-Governor of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China amongst its alumni.