Jia Wenjian, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and deputy-secretary of the CPC BFSU Committee, attended the Global Perspectives on China: Dialogue on Global Development Initiative in Beijing on Sept 16 and delivered a keynote speech.

Jia Wenjian delivers a speech at the Global Perspectives on China event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Hosted by Global Times and co-organized by the Academic Committee of the China Public Relations Association, the event marked the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative. It offered a platform to review the initiative's implementation and explore new approaches to building global development narratives and innovative paths for international communication.

In his keynote, Jia offered three reflections. He called for a clearer view of the world, grounded in the university's multilingual strengths and overseas fieldwork; for making the initiative's everyday benefits visible through stories from partner countries; and for deepening partnerships with universities worldwide, including Confucius Institutes and Classrooms, so that mutual benefit is understood on both sides.

Jia noted that the vitality of the Global Development Initiative lies in concrete action, people-to-people bonds and the mutual flourishing of civilizations. He said BFSU will continue to deepen its strategic cooperation with Global Times, supporting communication with scholarship and dialogue with practice, and cultivating talent with strong global competence.

BISU leaders and students pose for a group photo at the event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Twenty-five BFSU international students attended the forum and joined the discussions, deepening their understanding of global development issues, while 10 student volunteers provided support throughout the event.