Belt and Road School at Beijing Normal University Launches “Belt and Road” Research Initiative
On March 24, the Belt and Road School (BRS) at Beijing Normal University (BNU) held a launch meeting for its “Belt and Road” Research Initiative. The event included remarks from Wang Shoujun, a member of the Standing Committee of BNU’s Party Committee and Executive Vice President and Dean of BRS. A keynote speech was delivered by Xu Jianping, former Director-General of the Department of Regional Opening-up at the National Development and Reform Commission, who engaged in discussions with officials and scholars from various developing nations. Attendance at the meeting comprised over 100 faculty and students from BNU’s Beijing and Zhuhai campuses, with participation facilitated both online and in person, and moderated by Liu Qian, Vice Dean of BRS.
Welcoming Remarks
During his address, Wang welcomed Xu and acknowledged his ongoing support for BNU and BRS. He referenced a statement made by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the Fourth Symposium on Advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that the initiative has entered a new phase focused on high-quality development. Wang subsequently announced the initiation of the Jingshi “Belt and Road” Research Initiative, which aims to involve young faculty and international students. This initiative seeks to enhance collaboration across industry, academia, and research, producing strategic outcomes and developing interdisciplinary talent essential for the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Keynote Address
In his keynote titled “Connotations, Achievements, and Future of Jointly Building the Belt and Road,” Xu emphasized the initiative’s significance as a global economic cooperation effort reflecting China’s reform and opening-up policies. He articulated the initiative’s objectives of establishing an interconnected global network that enables shared economic benefits among countries and fosters mutual development. Xu discussed key principles, recent achievements over the past 11 years, and proposed future pathways for the next decade, drawing on his extensive experience with the initiative.
Interactive Session
During an interactive session, Xu responded to inquiries from international students regarding sustainable development, education, and employment. He highlighted the importance of these students as connectors between their home countries and China, urging them to engage in research that enhances understanding of China’s achievements and positions them as contributors to the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Conclusion and Cultural Exchange
The event concluded with a calligraphy exchange, wherein Xu gifted artwork to graduating international master’s students from developing countries. The inscriptions featured the phrase “Jia He Wan Shi Xing,” symbolizing family harmony and national prosperity, illustrating traditional Chinese values and best wishes.
(Source: Beijing Normal University)
