HKBU officially opened a joint venture with The Carter Center (TCC), namely The Carter Center – Hong Kong Baptist University Initiative. The very first institutional tie established by TCC outside the US, the new initiative aims at drawing together the strengths and expertise of both institutions to spearhead a range of collaborative education, health communication and world peace projects for the advancement of society.

Officiating at the grand opening ceremony were Dr. Jimmy Carter, Former US President and Co-chair of The Carter Center; Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, Co-chair of The Carter Center; Dr. John Hardman, President and CEO of The Carter Center; Mr. Wilfred Wong, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; and Professor Albert Chan, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU.  After the ceremony, the audience seized the valuable opportunity to interact with Dr. Carter, who shared his personal experience and insights with students and guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Albert Chan said, "This Initiative will focus on health communication and world peace, with emphasis on education, research, and knowledge transfer.  We hope that with the support and expertise of The Carter Center, HKBU can further its mission of delivering Whole Person Education and become a strong partner in the quest for a better tomorrow."

Dr. Carter was excited about the opportunity to visit and collaborate with HKBU, which shares the same ideals with TCC.  He hoped the new initiative will extend the influence of TCC to Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as promote peace and democracy in every part of the world.

The ceremony was well-attended by supporters and friends of HKBU, such as Mr. Alvin Chan, Chairman of Ekpac China Limited, and Mrs. Fidelia Chan, Executive Director of Ekpac China Limited; Dr. Chiu Chun Bong, Managing Director of Billabong Enterprises Company Limited; Mr. Justin Chiu, Executive Director of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited; Dr. Hari Harilela, Chairman of the Harilela Group, and Mrs. Padma Harilela; Mr. Billy Hung, Director of Wai Tak Land Investment & Loan Company Limited; Dr. Gilbert Hung, Chairman of Ideal Group Worldwide Limited; Mr. Raymond Kwok, Representative of the Kwok Chung Bo Fun Charitable Fund; Dr. Joseph Lee, Chairman of the Wofoo Foundation; Mr. David Mong, Chairman of the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund; Mr. Simon Suen, Chairman of the SML Group, and Miss Chloe Suen, Global Head of Human Resources of the SML Group; Rev. Eric Tong, Pastor of Wan Chai Baptist Church; Dr. Kennedy Wong, BBS, JP, Managing Partner of Philip K.H. Wong, Kennedy Y.H. Wong and Company; Ir Dr. K.K. Wong, SBS, JP, Group Chairman & CEO of the Kum Shing Group; Mr. Zhang Da Peng, President of Y. Cee Chemicals Limited, together with members of the Council and the Court, staff and students.

Co-founded in 1982 by Dr. Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 2002, and his wife Rosalynn, The Carter Center is a non-governmental organisation guided by a fundamental commitment to the championship of human rights and alleviation of human suffering around the world.  In recognition of his remarkable achievements in bringing about meaningful change in society and the betterment of mankind in his post-presidency era, the University conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, on Dr. Carter at its Commencement held in November.