The inaugural session of the Summer Program on "An Overview of Modern China and City Development" (2023), a collaborative effort between Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, started on August 7.
This two-week program also serves as a specialized training workshop for officials from friendly cities. Officials from BISU, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Beijing Municipal Education Commission were in attendance. The event was presided over by Zheng Chengjun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university.
More than 50 outstanding young people from over 28 countries gathered for this summer's program, which aims to provide them with a comprehensive and multi-dimensional understanding of China's achievements in development and construction through specialized courses and practical experience.
In his opening speech, Chang Yu, secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, underscored the core purpose of the summer program - to present an authentic, diverse, and multifaceted depiction of China, while promoting the nation's philosophy of inclusive, shared, and peaceful development. He emphasized the significance of each country forging its unique path grounded in its historical and cultural context. Chang expressed the desire to establish a platform for cross-cultural exchanges, facilitating the sharing of developmental experiences and accomplishments, and fostering mutual learning.
Li Yi, deputy head of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, expressed his hope that participants from diverse nations could acquire a holistic understanding of China and Beijing through on-site research during the summer program. He encouraged attendees to strengthen their interactions in urban governance and development, facilitating the exchange of successful practices and insights from their respective viewpoints to contribute novel ideas and suggestions for Beijing's ongoing growth.
Jia Peng, deputy director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education, highlighted the summer program's pivotal role in enhancing global exchanges and cooperation. He noted that BISU, through collaborations with international universities, has established a robust education system for international students in China. This summer initiative functions as a platform for government officials, corporate leaders, and academic professionals to engage in dialogue and share their perspectives.
Since its announcement, the summer program has garnered enthusiastic responses from various countries.
Applicants, including government officials, corporate executives, and university scholars, have been invited to attend. "South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa and a key economy in the region. Similarly, Gauteng holds a pivotal economic role in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. As an envoy of Beijing's sister cities, I am eager to glean valuable insight and the best practices in economics, trade, education, public services, and cultural exchanges through this summer school," said Zanele Abigail Fakude, director of Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, South Africa.
One of the participants, Herrera Tapia Nancy from Mexico, a doctoral student at the Metropolitan Autonomous University and a student at the Confucius Institute of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua co-established by BISU, shared her personal journey since first visiting China in 2015 and her observations of China's development and technological advancements. "I am profoundly appreciative of this opportunity to delve deeper into contemporary China. I aspire for every nation to carve its own distinctive path towards prosperity in the future, "she said.
Following the ceremony, the participants started their first course, "Introduction to China's Modernization and Urban Development", delivered by Zhong Lina, a faculty member from the BISU School of Tourism Sciences.
Throughout the program, participants will engage in a combination of specialized lectures and practical explorations. Over a two-week period, they will visit various sites, including the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, the central axis of Beijing, the Forbidden City, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic venues, and the office of Chinese technology company Huawei, gaining firsthand experience of China's vibrant development and the captivating charm of Beijing. This immersive approach aims to provide a more profound and multifaceted understanding of China.
The opening ceremony drew numerous media representatives from organizations such as Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television, and China Daily, along with faculty representatives from the summer program.
