Visiting representatives from universities and organisations across three continents gathered in London to mark the formal installation of Professor Julie Hall as Vice-Chancellor.
Date: 25 June 2025
International partners from Europe, Asia, and Africa visited London Metropolitan University last week to celebrate the inauguration of Professor Julie Hall as Vice-Chancellor. The event underlined the University’s deep commitment to international collaboration and inclusive access to higher education.
"We have been partners with London Met for more than a decade, and the University has always been a steadfast partner through thick and thin. Hence, it was our pleasure to meet with colleagues again and join in the festive atmosphere at Professor Hall's inauguration event," said Mr Sulav Budhathoki, Chairman of ING Group of Colleges in Nepal.
The visiting delegation included senior representatives from eight of London Met’s collaborative partner institutions: EUBS (Spain, Germany and Switzerland), NEXT Education (Sri Lanka and the UAE), ING Group (Nepal), QAHE, ESOFT Metro Campus (Sri Lanka), and Xi’anyang Normal University (China). Associated partners Kenya Airways, and iAcademy and RVi Group (both from Singapore) were also in attendance.
Many guests stayed in London throughout the week, engaging with academic leaders and professional services teams to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities. A highlight of the visit was a special lunch at London’s historic Guildhall, hosted by Tjis Broeke, Chair of London Met’s Board of Governors.
Speaking during Professor Hall’s inauguration, Dr Dusty Alahakoon, Chairman of London Met partner NEXT Education Group, reflected on the strength of the partnership: “We love working with London Met because we don’t just share a strategy. We share a purpose; we call it ‘Changing Lives’, and London Met calls it ‘Transforming Lives’.
"With Julie’s leadership, we believe London Met will find its rightful place on the global stage. We’re thrilled to walk this journey with you. You’re not just leading a university. You’re shaping futures. And we’re right beside you as you guide London Met into its next chapter."
International partnerships sit at the heart of London Met’s mission, enhancing the student experience, supporting academic exchange, and creating new opportunities for collaborative research on global issues. They also help the University extend its social impact by widening access to education across borders.
Commenting on the visit, Kelly Griffin, Head of London Met’s Partnership Office, said: “Our international partners play a vital role in extending the reach of London Met’s mission. Together, we expand access to higher education for underrepresented groups, whether through alternative pathways to study, vocational qualifications, community-based initiatives. These collaborations have the power to transform lives and support learners across the globe. It was wonderful to welcome so many partners to celebrate with our new Vice-Chancellor.”
Dr Dusty Alahakoon speaking at Professor Julie Hall's inauguration.
Pic by: Steve Blunt, London Met.