18 June 2025
On 18 June 2025, UCEC hosted an Exporting Education dinner at the House of Commons, bringing together leaders from higher education, government, and policy advisory circles to discuss the future of UK education as a global enterprise. Chaired by UCEC CEO Neil Carmichael, the evening provided a distinguished setting for dialogue on how the UK can strengthen its international educational presence — with particular attention to engagement with China.
The gathering welcomed university leaders, parliamentarians, and advisers connected to the Department for Education, creating a forum where perspectives from policy, academia, and industry intersected. Discussions centred on the evolving role of education as a driver of international collaboration, economic partnership, and soft power influence.
A key theme of the evening was the continued importance of the Chinese education market — not only in terms of student mobility, but as a long-term partnership opportunity supporting mutual learning, innovation, and cultural exchange. Participants explored how UK institutions can position themselves strategically in an increasingly interconnected global landscape, balancing commercial sustainability with academic integrity and shared educational values.
The presence of the Deputy Director of the Henan Department of Education — hosted by UCEC — added valuable international perspective to the conversation. Exchanges highlighted the growing appetite for structured cooperation between UK and Chinese institutions, particularly in areas where educational collaboration aligns with broader economic and cultural goals.
The evening was characterised by thoughtful discussion, professional exchange, and a spirit of openness about both challenges and opportunities in global education. Conversations reinforced a shared understanding: that international engagement remains essential for the UK’s educational influence and innovation capacity.
UCEC held the “Exporting Education Dinner” in the House of Commons. Speakers and attendees came from UK universities, chambers of commerce/trade, politics, Departments of Education, and Business and Trade, and Henan Province, China. The themes included opportunities for partnerships, student exchange and investment. Britain has a great and deserved reputation in education so seeking to export elements of it could represent a significant boost to international trade.
This event is the precursor to a further trip by senior leaders of the huge Henan Provence to London next week. Discussions will take place with a view to paving the way for agreements to develop possible partnerships.
—— Neil Carmichael, CEO
UCEC is proud to facilitate spaces where policymakers, educators, and international partners can meet to advance meaningful dialogue. Events such as this reflect UCEC’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships that support educational exchange, global connectivity, and the continued evolution of UK education on the world stage.
