Leaders from 15 top universities in China and other nations called for strengthening international cooperation in science and technology to build an open and shared global innovation ecosystem for sustainable development during a forum on Tuesday.

The Belt and Road University Presidents Forum and Conference on Universities and Sustainable Development, hosted by Chongqing University, brought together heads from nine universities in Belt and Road Initiative countries and six leading Chinese institutes to discuss enhancing academic exchanges in the face of global challenges.

"Scientific and technological cooperation is a key component of the BRI," said Sun Jian, deputy director of international cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Technology, during the event's opening ceremony.

The forum follows a research collaboration network initiated last year by Chongqing University, which brought together 12 universities from BRI countries to improve communication and cooperation. The University Network for Research Collaboration, part of the Belt and Road Science and Technology Initiative, promotes the exchange of knowledge and resources among global universities and fosters stronger scientific research ties.

"Scientific and technological innovation is the primary driver for addressing common global challenges and achieving sustainable development, and universities are at the forefront of that effort," Sun added, highlighting the BRI's potential for scientific collaboration given its rich cultural and diverse resources.

Bayisa Leta, president of Ethiopia's Ambo University, underscored the role of universities in fostering sustainability.

"By integrating sustainability into academic programs, research and campus operations, universities can contribute significantly to a more sustainable future," Leta said, noting that they can also serve as models in energy efficiency, water conservation, green transportation and waste management.

Belarusian State University, a member of the University Network for Research Collaboration, has strengthened ties with Chinese counterparts. BSU and Peking University hosted a rectors' forum in Minsk in June, establishing a center for joint scientific research. Andrei Karol, president of BSU, said the university seeks more collaboration in culture and humanities as it continues conducting scientific exchanges with China.

Chongqing University and BSU signed a new agreement on Tuesday to boost cooperation in green energy, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges.

Wang Shuxin, president of Chongqing University and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that members of the University Network for Research Collaboration have made progress in research cooperation, talent exchange and technology transfer. Next year, the network will focus on key areas such as big data, clean water, intelligent agriculture, climate change and green energy.