Renmin University of China (RUC) recently hosted an international symposium titled “The 10th Anniversary of Belt and Road Initiative: Progress and Prospects”, along with the launch of the book series “Ten Years into the Belt and Road Initiative.” The symposium, which was co-organized by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Languages Press, and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, was part of the activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The symposium brought together an array of speakers including Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council and Editor-in-Chief of the book series, Shi Ling, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, and Xu Rong, Editor-in-Chief of the Foreign Languages Press. They were joined by an esteemed panel of keynote speakers including Boris Tadic, former President of Serbia, Zlatko Lagumdzija, former Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan. The speeches were moderated by Ye Kangtao, Vice President of RUC.

The event was well-attended, with diplomatic envoys from Bangladesh, Iran, Russia, Vietnam, and other countries, experts, scholars, and international students from over 10 countries, as well as faculty and students of RUC. Nearly 50 media outlets were also present to cover the event.

The symposium also marked the official release of the book series “Ten Years into the Belt and Road Initiative”. This eight-book series, published by the Foreign Languages Press and distributed worldwide in nine languages (Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, German, and Japanese), is a think-tank project of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, RUC.

Zhang Donggang expressed that the Belt and Road Initiative has brought about unprecedented changes globally. At this crucial historical moment, he called for increased confidence, cooperation, and collective efforts to build the Belt and Road into a pathway of peace, prosperity, openness, green development, innovation, and civilization.

Shi Ling welcomed the guests and scholars on behalf of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. Reflecting on the history of the Silk Road, she highlighted that the Belt and Road Initiative has transformed from vision to reality over the past decade, thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved.

Xu Rong praised the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of RUC as one of the earliest think tanks to focus on the Belt and Road Initiative. He noted that their extensive research has effectively addressed concerns and helped the world better understand the initiative.

Boris Tadic emphasized the significant contributions of RUC’s research to the Belt and Road Initiative's future development. He encouraged young people to actively engage in dialogue with experienced individuals to shape their vision.

Zlatko Lagumdzija acknowledged the Belt and Road Initiative’s feasible measures that provide a navigable path in a complex environment. He emphasized the mutual need between China and the rest of the world.

Djoomart Otorbaev commended the book series “Ten Years into the Belt and Road Initiative” as a significant research achievement. He pointed out how the Belt and Road Initiative has brought nations closer, transcending geographic barriers.

Looking ahead, the Belt and Road Initiative is set to be more innovative, dynamic, open, and inclusive. It aims to promote global governance in a more equitable direction and build a new type of economic globalization system that is open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all.