On the morning of September 4, Prof. Hirofumi Hamada from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, led a delegation to visit the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED). 

During the discussion, Prof. Zhou Zuoyu, Director of INRULED, welcomed the delegation and introduced INRULED's recent key research achievements and innovative practices in rural education. He emphasized that INRULED has consistently been committed to promoting the improvement of rural education policies, enhancing the capacities of rural teachers, and continuously expanding the depth and breadth of international cooperation. Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of INRULED, provided an overview of the Centre's development since its establishment, its current organizational structure, and progress on flagship projects, highlighting INRULED's strategic positioning and institutional evolution. Prof. Hamada shared Japan's approaches to addressing development challenges in rural areas, underscoring the critical role of rural education and teacher development in community growth, and expressed his willingness to strengthen exchanges and collaborate on joint projects with INRULED.

Both parties acknowledged that education is a key driver of sustainable rural development. China, Japan, and many other countries in the region face similar challenges in this field, while also sharing vast opportunities for cooperation. Looking ahead, INRULED will further consolidate its exchanges and collaboration with the University of Tsukuba, working together to foster a more inclusive, open, and sustainable future for education in the region.