Nana
The University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) served as the prestigious host for its International Dialogue 2017 Annual Convention, an influential gathering that unfolded in Beijing on November 25-26. This significant event brought together a diverse array of scholars, policymakers, and, most importantly, aspiring young leaders from across the globe to deliberate on critical issues shaping international relations and economic progress in the 21st century. The convention’s central theme, "The Opening-Up in the New Era & Youth Exchange," underscored a dual commitment: fostering confidence in the enduring relevance of economic globalization and instilling a profound sense of responsibility within the younger generation to actively participate in and contribute to this evolving global landscape.
UIBE President Highlights Vision for Youth Ambassadors
In his opening remarks, UIBE President Wang Jiaqiong articulated a clear and ambitious vision for the convention and its role in cultivating future international leaders. President Wang emphasized that the chosen theme was not merely an academic exercise but a deliberate expression of confidence in the continued vitality and necessity of economic globalization. More significantly, he highlighted the imperative for young people to embrace their roles as active agents of change within this interconnected world. "This year’s topic (The Opening-Up in the New Era & Youth Exchange) not only expresses the confidence of promoting economic globalization, but also expresses the hope that the youth will take responsibility," President Wang stated, underscoring the convention’s forward-looking orientation.
He further elaborated on the strategic aims of the International Dialogue program, positioning it as a vital conduit for training and empowering young individuals to become effective "ambassadors for international connections." This designation signifies a departure from passive observation to active engagement, equipping students with the skills and perspectives necessary to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding on a global scale. President Wang’s aspiration was palpable: "I hope this convention can inspire young people to broaden their vision, and enhance their cross-cultural communication ability." This sentiment resonated throughout the event, setting a tone of empowerment and encouraging participants to push the boundaries of their understanding and interaction.
The Power of Dialogue in a Complex World
Providing a historical and philosophical perspective on the importance of constructive engagement, Zhang Baijia, former deputy director of the Party History Research Center of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, offered valuable insights into the nature of effective international discourse. Zhang distinguished dialogue from more adversarial forms of communication, such as argument or negotiation. He posited that dialogue, at its core, is a process of mutual discovery, characterized by a shared commitment to "seek common points while reserving differences." This nuanced understanding of dialogue is particularly relevant in an era marked by geopolitical complexities and diverse national interests, where finding common ground is paramount for sustained progress and stability. His participation lent significant weight to the convention, connecting contemporary discussions to broader historical trends in international relations and policy.
Launch of UIBE’s Global Development and Creative Youth Project
A pivotal moment of the International Dialogue 2017 Annual Convention was the official launch of UIBE’s groundbreaking Global Development and Creative Youth Project. This ambitious initiative immediately garnered substantial interest, attracting over 140 students from an impressive 25 different countries. This diverse cohort marked the inaugural year of a project designed to foster international scientific research and collaborative problem-solving among the world’s youth. The project’s commitment to global inclusivity was evident from its inception, creating a truly international platform for intellectual exchange and discovery.
Project Structure and Research Focus
The Global Development and Creative Youth Project is structured to immerse students in rigorous, hands-on research experiences. Participants are organized into 25 distinct research groups, each tasked with selecting a specific topic for an intensive five-month research period. The thematic scope of these research endeavors is deliberately aligned with pressing global development issues that directly impact young people. A significant area of focus, reflecting contemporary geopolitical and economic priorities, is the Belt and Road Initiative. Other topics likely encompass a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities, such as sustainable development goals, the future of work, digital divides, climate change adaptation, and intercultural understanding in the digital age.
The project’s methodology emphasizes a phased approach. Following the initial selection of topics and the meticulous finalization of their scope of inquiry, the student teams engaged in a crucial round-table conference during the annual convention. This conference served as a vital platform for them to present and discuss their research proposals, receiving initial feedback and guidance from faculty and peers. To ensure academic rigor and provide expert mentorship, each research group was assigned a dedicated professor. These mentors were drawn from UIBE’s esteemed faculty as well as from renowned universities abroad, ensuring a rich and diverse pool of expertise to support the students’ academic journeys.
Workshops and Essay Deadlines: A Structured Research Pathway
The project’s structured timeline includes two dedicated writing workshops, scheduled for January and March. These workshops are designed to equip students with advanced research methodologies, effective academic writing techniques, and critical analytical skills. The culmination of this intensive research phase is the mandatory completion of essays by the end of March. These essays are expected to present the findings, analyses, and recommendations stemming from the students’ five months of dedicated research, serving as a tangible output of their intellectual engagement and collaborative efforts.
Establishment of UIBE Research Center on Youth Exchange
In addition to the launch of the Global Development and Creative Youth Project, the convention also marked the establishment of the UIBE Research Center on Youth Exchange. This new center signifies a long-term institutional commitment to fostering robust and meaningful interactions between Chinese and international youth. Its primary objective is to build a sustainable platform that facilitates the free and open exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences among young people from diverse cultural and national backgrounds. This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy of promoting people-to-people diplomacy and enhancing its global soft power through educational and cultural exchanges.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The International Dialogue 2017 Annual Convention, and particularly the launch of the Global Development and Creative Youth Project and the Research Center on Youth Exchange, signals UIBE’s strategic intent to position itself as a leading institution in fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding among young intellectuals. By engaging students from 25 countries in substantive research on critical global issues, the university is not only contributing to the academic discourse but also cultivating a generation of globally-minded leaders equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.
The emphasis on the Belt and Road Initiative as a research topic reflects the project’s relevance to contemporary geopolitical and economic strategies. Students delving into this multifaceted initiative will likely explore its economic impacts, its role in regional connectivity, its potential for sustainable development, and the social and cultural implications for participating nations. The insights generated by these student research groups could offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, contributing valuable data and analysis to ongoing discussions about the initiative’s future.
The convention’s focus on dialogue and youth exchange is particularly pertinent in a global climate that often experiences geopolitical tensions and misunderstandings. By prioritizing platforms for constructive conversation and collaborative learning, UIBE is actively working to build bridges of understanding and foster a more interconnected and cooperative global community. The success of the International Dialogue 2017 Annual Convention and the initiatives launched within it suggests a promising future for youth-led engagement in international affairs, with UIBE at the forefront of this crucial endeavor. The long-term impact of these programs is expected to extend beyond academic achievements, shaping the future careers and contributions of these young participants as they transition into roles of leadership and influence on the global stage. The establishment of dedicated research centers and structured projects underscores a commitment to sustained effort, promising a continuous flow of valuable research and a growing network of internationally connected young professionals.
Rifan Muazin
Pevita Pearce
