In February 2025, the Sino-European Humanities and Social Sciences Exchange and Cooperation Key Laboratory at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) hosted a series of three impactful lectures by Dr Roshni Moneeram, a social scientist, strategic leader, and Honorary Associate Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Nottingham. These lectures provided a platform to discuss critical global issues and promote deeper collaboration between China, Europe, and Africa, emphasizing the role of education and research in addressing pressing global challenges.

Lecture 1: "From Policy to Power: How Educating Girls Transforms Africa’s Future"

On 26 February 2025, Dr Moneeram delivered the first lecture, focusing on the paradox of girls' education in Africa. Despite global recognition of the issue, many girls are still excluded from formal education due to systemic barriers. Dr Moneeram explored the African Union’s strategies to promote gender-responsive education, highlighting how such efforts can build resilience, especially in the face of climate-related crises.

With 12 million African girls displaced from schools in 2023 due to climate disasters, Dr Moneeram underscored the urgent need for climate-sensitive educational policies. She also discussed the economic benefits of these strategies, potentially unlocking up to $316 billion annually. A key example of collaboration between China, Europe, and Africa is the implementation of solar-powered schools in Kenya, which has led to a 63% improvement in girls’ retention rates during climate disruptions. Additionally, Dr Moneeram advocated for inclusive education policies for disabled girls and the introduction of “Education Resilience Indexes” to track psychological safety in education systems. The lecture engaged 65 offline participants and nearly 100 online viewers.

Lecture 2: "The Art of Doing Research for Consultancy Assignments"

On 28 February 2025, Dr Moneeram delivered her second lecture, which focused on the practical application of academic research in consultancy contexts. Tailored for UNNC staff, faculty, and PhD students, the lecture explored how academic findings can be applied to real-world challenges, with a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Dr Moneeram shared her experience transitioning from academic research to international consultancy, demonstrating how institutional research can drive tangible outcomes across various sectors.

Lecture 3: "From China to the Indian Ocean: Zheng He and the Curious Case of the Dodo"

In addition to the above lectures, Dr Moneeram presented a compelling talk at the Ningbo Library titled "From China to the Indian Ocean: Zheng He and the Curious Case of the Dodo". This lecture, attended by over 200 people with more than 40,000 online views, sparked vibrant discussions on the historical connections between China, Mauritius, and the broader Indian Ocean region. Using Zheng He’s maritime voyages as a lens, Dr Moneeram reflected on global cultural and trade exchanges.

Looking Ahead

The Sino-European Humanities and Social Sciences Exchange and Cooperation Key Laboratory at UNNC plans to strengthen its collaborative efforts with international partners, including Dr Moneeram, in the areas of education, research, and global development. The laboratory is preparing to launch a series of initiatives that explore the intersections of China, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, the lab aims to publish policy papers addressing key challenges in international cooperation to help shape future educational strategies and global collaborations.