At IIHM, learning has never been limited to classrooms, campuses, or countries.
And today, that belief became even stronger.
As part of the global journey of the Young Chef Olympiad 2026, the International Institute of Hotel Management signed its Global MOU 2026 with 34 hospitality and culinary colleges from across the world.
But for us, this moment is not about signatures or ceremonies. It is about students.
This MOU ensures that every IIHM student is part of a truly international learning ecosystem. One where ideas, cultures, cuisines, and knowledge flow freely across borders.
It means learning from global peers, collaborating with students and faculty from other countries, eing exposed to international hospitality standards while staying rooted in your own culture
Your education doesn’t stop at the campus gate—it travels with you, across continents.
IIHM Chairman Dr Suborno Bose, underling the student first Global Declaration that this moment is not about signatures or ceremonies. It is about students.
“This MOU ensures that every IIHM student is part of a truly international learning ecosystem. One where ideas, cultures, cuisines, and knowledge flow freely across borders.
Underscoring the use of AI in global culinary education, Dr Bose made a massive declaration of commitment. Emphasising IIHM’s commitment to inclusive knowledge-sharing, he announced that IIHM would offer online programmes through IIHM Kolkata, India, and IIHM Singapore, completely free of cost. “This is my open invitation to all participating colleges,” Dr. Bose said. “We are ready to run online programmes for your students, allowing you to enrol as many learners as you wish. Institutions may also build certifications in Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality, supported by some of the leading AI companies in the world. This initiative is part of our larger vision of sharing knowledge responsibly and preparing the next generation for the future of hospitality.” This drew the loudest applause 34 countries who signed the global declaration
The declaration embeds the AI-LEAP (Literacy Education Advancement Programme) framework where IIHM is preparing students for this future responsibly. Here, AI is not about removing the human element. It is about enhancing it. Students will learn how technology can Support decision-making in kitchens and hotels, Improve guest experience and sustainability & Help preserve culinary traditions and stories
This global collaboration also carries an important responsibility. Culinary and hospitality knowledge is not just data—it is heritage. Through shared learning platforms and initiatives like NamAIste HospitalityGPT, students gain ethical access to global knowledge while respecting Cultural attribution, Regional identity, Community wisdom and authentic traditions
While the Young Chef Olympiad celebrates excellence and skill, the MOU reminds us of something deeper: Your peers are not just competitors. They are future collaborators, colleagues, and friends.
Hospitality will always be about people. About warmth. About connection. About stories told through food and service. Today, the world didn’t just sign an agreement. It invested in students of the world.
