Former Canadian prime minister Paul Martin and influential Chinese economist Justin Yifu Lin will head the University of British Columbia’s President’s Advisory Council on China.
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope appointed Martin and Lin honorary chairs of the PACC in recognition of the university’s commitment to deeper academic engagement with China.
“I am delighted that UBC will benefit from the outstanding guidance of Paul Martin and Justin Yifu Lin in further developing meaningful and productive academic relationships with China,” said Prof. Toope. “Their insights and depth of understanding are simply unparalleled.”
The Right Honourable Paul Martin was Canada’s prime minister from 2003 to 2006, while Justin Yifu Lin was chief economist of the World Bank from 2008 to 2012 and heads an influential economic institute at Peking University. Both men are honorary degree recipients from UBC.
Developing stronger relations with peer universities and policy institutes in China and increasing Chinese studies in the core curriculum are among UBC’s top international engagement priorities. Last year, the university put in place the UBC China Council to support academic interactions with counterparts in China.
The PACC will inform UBC’s leadership and the UBC China Council on important strategic considerations and priorities for China. Its 15 members have yet to be confirmed, and its Chair will be appointed by UBC’s incoming president, Prof. Arvind Gupta.
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