Peking University, November 13, 2024: On the afternoon of November 3rd, the 21st Beijing Forum (Beijing Forum 2024) concluded in the Sunshine Hall of Yingjie Exchange Center of Peking University (PKU). The forum gathered prominent figures including school leaders, academic leaders, and international board members from various countries and organisations.
Closing Ceremony Highlights
Participants in Beijing Forum 2024 engaged in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural exchanges around the theme: "Harmony of Civilizations and Shared Prosperity", with a focus on "The Era of Innovation and Human Development".
In his address, Fang Fang, Vice President of Peking University, highlighted the forum’s academic diversity, which offered multifaceted perspectives on building a community with a shared future for humanity. This year’s theme, "The Era of Innovation and Human Development," facilitated insights into our civilization’s vibrant future and upcoming challenges.
Andrei Korol from Belarusian State University discussed the importance of educational innovation in a rapidly changing world, introducing a dialog-based heuristic learning system that encourages students to find meaning and purpose through creativity.
Andrei Korol’s speech
Li Yi reflected on the forum’s two-decade legacy of bringing together global leaders and scholars to discuss issues vital to humanity’s future. He credited the forum for reinvigorating Beijing's cultural landscape, advancing the city's higher education, and promoting international collaboration.
Li Yi’s speech
Roger T. Ames, Vice President of the International Confucian Association and Peking University Chair Professor, discussed "Confucian Relational Justice and the Diversity of Realization," examining the concept of "harmony in diversity" within Confucian ethics.
Roger T. Ames’s report
Robert Chadwick, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford, spoke on the value of the humanities, the role of Western Sinologists, and the significance of studying China’s history.
Robert Chadwick’s report
Dominique Barjot, a member and President of the French Overseas Academy, analyzed Africa’s economic progress since the early 21st century. While acknowledging Africa’s rising influence and its vision for a "prosperous and peaceful Africa," he highlighted the continent's challenges, including population growth, income disparity, climate change, and gender equality.
Dominique Barjot’s report
Over its 21 years, Beijing Forum has become an academic, cultural, and civilizational journey that unites minds across borders. With its commitment to the theme "Harmony of Civilizations and Shared Prosperity," the forum looks to further collaboration with global thinkers and leaders to advance humanity’s common goals and promote the growth of cultures worldwide.
Written by: Teo Si Min
Edited by: Phoon Hui Yin, Andrena
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
