On September 16, 2023, Professor Dai Yonghong, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and the Institute of Area Studies, International Communication, and Global Affairs, as well as Director of the China Overseas Interests Research Center, together with Dr. Fu Le and Dr. Zhou Yupeng from the School of Foreign Languages at Shenzhen University, were invited to participate in the "Sharing Session on Public Welfare Exchanges for People-to-People Connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative" organized by the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission. They delivered a keynote speech titled "Chinese Experience, Global Governance: Coral Reef Restoration Project in the Port City of Colombo Port, Sri Lanka." Representatives from the Social Policy Division of the Social Development Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the Foreign Investment Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, the Xinhua Silk Road Department of Xinhua News Agency China Economic Information Service, China Construction Bank, and other government agencies, enterprises, and media outlets attended the meeting. Shenzhen University was the only university invited to the event.
People-to-people connectivity is the most fundamental, solid, and enduring form of interconnection. In 2023, marking the 10th anniversary of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, China and participating countries have engaged in diverse and extensive public diplomacy and cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and identification, and laying a solid foundation of public opinion for the joint construction of the Belt and Road. Deputy Director Wang Da of the Social Policy Division of the Social Development Department of the National Development and Reform Commission pointed out that the fulfillment of social responsibility by Chinese enterprises along the Belt and Road route is a key component of the people-to-people connectivity project, which is of great significance for enhancing their international competitiveness, shaping the country's image, integrating into the international community, and promoting cultural exchanges. Deputy Director Chang Hao of the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission believes that the construction of the Belt and Road people-to-people connectivity project should "cover both points and areas, involve multiple parties, and combine tangible and intangible efforts." It should be led by the government, involve multiple parties, have overall planning and coordination, implement precise plans, and create demonstration projects. Continuous efforts will lead to lasting success.
In his keynote speech titled "Chinese Experience, Global Governance: Coral Reef Restoration Project in the Port City of Colombo Port, Sri Lanka," Professor Dai Yonghong first introduced the concept of cultivating internationally composite talents at the Institute of Area Studies, International Communication, and Global Affairs of Shenzhen University, as well as the "Foreign Language Plus" development plan aimed at empowering the development and security of China's overseas interests. Subsequently, Professor Dai shared the successful experiences of Chinese enterprises in the governance of the Colombo Port City project, ecological governance, and civilized exchanges.
At the conference, representatives from companies such as China Construction Bank, ZTE Corporation, Huajian Group, and SANY Heavy Industry shared their experiences and insights in diverse and enriching sessions. The conference concluded successfully with a round of exchanges and discussions.
