The Shenzhen Forum of Renmin University of China 2025 is held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province from Dec 19 to 21.

The Shenzhen Forum of Renmin University of China (RUC) 2025 was held in Shenzhen from Dec 19 to 21, bringing together representatives from government, industry, academia and research institutions to explore innovative pathways for Chinese modernization and the high-quality development of the special economic zone.

The forum focused on key topics including economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30), the cultivation of new quality productive forces, cultural soft power and technological innovation in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Zhang Donggang, secretary of the CPC RUC Committee, delivers a speech at the forum.

At the opening ceremony on Dec 20, Zhang Donggang, secretary of the CPC RUC Committee, noted that Shenzhen's development — from bold exploration to becoming a model of innovation — constitutes a vivid chapter in the evolution of a new form of human civilization and an important source of Marxist theoretical innovation. He called for the systematic refinement of Shenzhen's pioneering practices and proposed the development of "Shenzhen Studies" to further advance innovative theories and build the city into a new cultural, values and intellectual hub in the new era.

During the forum, RUC signed cooperation agreements with China Resources (Holdings) Co Ltd, Bauhinia Culture Group, Sun Yat-sen University, the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Social Sciences and the Shenzhen Academy of Social Sciences. The partnerships aim to deepen collaboration in joint innovation, academic exchange, talent cultivation and think-tank development, better serving national strategies and the GBA.

The "Chinese Modernization: Shenzhen as a Pioneering Demonstration" book series and the report "15th Anniversary of Qianhai: 15 Milestones" are released during the forum.

The forum also witnessed the release of the "Chinese Modernization: Shenzhen as a Pioneering Demonstration" book series and the report "15th Anniversary of Qianhai: 15 Milestones". The publications systematically review Shenzhen's reform and opening-up experience, highlighting achievements in institutional innovation, industrial and financial development, Shenzhen–Hong Kong integration and high-level opening-up, and providing valuable reference for advancing Chinese modernization nationwide.

In addition, the forum featured plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, five parallel subforums, and multiple industry–finance matchmaking events.

Founded in 2023 by RUC and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, the Shenzhen Forum has become a high-level platform for policy dialogue and academic exchange, offering strong intellectual support for Shenzhen's role as a pilot demonstration zone and for the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area.