Gwangju University and Honam University to Jointly Pursue 'Glocal University 30' Alliance Initiative

Gwangju University and Honam University are jointly applying as an alliance model for the 'Glocal University 30' contest. Photo by Gwangju University

Gwangju University (President Kim Dongjin) and Honam University (President Park Sangcheol) are jointly applying as an alliance model for the 'Glocal University 30' contest.

According to both universities on April 18, they have prepared bold and innovative measures such as joint admissions, standardized administration, and boundaryless academic openness to overcome the formal limitations of the existing 'Glocal University 30 Alliance Model.' They plan to introduce a 'representative president system' for the alliance university, establishing a strong decision-making structure that enables swift and consistent policy implementation, and aim to complete a practical government-industry-academia (GIA) model in which local universities become the central axis of regional coexistence.

On the same day, Gwangju University and Honam University held an 'Alliance University Proclamation Ceremony' for the promotion of the '2025 Glocal University 30' initiative at the main conference room on the 4th floor of Honam University's main administration building. The event was attended by over 20 people, including officials from both universities and Kim Kisook, Director General for Education and Youth at Gwangju City, officially announcing their joint initiative.

The presidents of both universities also expressed their shared ambition to promote Gwangju, a cultural city, as a 'Creative Culture Hub City' by integrating AI and digital technologies. To this end, the alliance university will establish four major strategies for job innovation in the Gwangju model and take the lead in creating youth employment and a startup ecosystem through substantial connections with the local community.

Kim Dongjin, President of Gwangju University, emphasized, "The alliance between the two universities will expand the foundation for local settlement among Gwangju's youth and contribute to realizing Gwangju as a city focused on the service industry."

Park Sangcheol, President of Honam University, stated, "We plan to propose a specialized model that fosters talent capable of actively responding to the diversification of the labor market by leveraging the AI and digital technology capabilities held by both universities."

Meanwhile, Gwangju University and Honam University have completed a preliminary application for the alliance-type category of the Ministry of Education's '2025 Glocal University Preliminary Designation.' Through the promotion of the alliance university, they plan to continue various activities to establish a sustainable cooperation system and strengthen global competitiveness.