On December 1st-4th, 2021 Understanding China Conference was held in Guangzhou, China. With the theme of “Whence and Whither: Unprecedented Changes in the World and China and the CPC”, the conference focused on the relationship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and China as well as the outside world. By drawing upon the CPC’s century-long history of development, the conference aimed to conduct an in-depth exploration on how to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and to expand and deepen the shared interests of all countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou on December 2nd, in which he fully affirmed the important role played by the conference since its inception and elaborated on the great significance of the CPC’s century-long struggle to world development. He clearly stated China’s firm determination to better meet the aspirations of the Chinese people for a better life and make greater contributions to the world.
Dr. Zhang Donggang, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Renmin University of China (RUC), Dr. Du Peng, RUC Vice President and Secretary General of the Academic Association for International Cultural Exchange (AAICE) attended the opening ceremony and the Thematic Forum on “New Vision for Sustainable Development of Cultural Heritage”.
Co-hosted by Renmin University of China and Jinan University, and co-organized by the the Academic Association for International Cultural Exchange and the Institute of Cultural Heritage Creative Industry of Jinan University, the Thematic Forum on ” New Vision for Sustainable Development of Cultural Heritage ” was held on December 2nd. Dr. Zhang Donggang, Prof. Lin Rupeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Jinan University, Dr. Shan Jixiang, Director of the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum and Chairman of China Cultural Relics Academy, Prof. Fan Di‘an, President of Central Academy of Fine Arts and President of China Artists Association attended the forum and delivered speeches. Zhang Xinsheng, Secretary-General of Eco Forum Global Guiyang and former Chairman of the Executive Council of UNESCO, and Liu Yuzhu, Chairman of China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation delivered keynote speeches. Xia Yunhai, Deputy Director of the Overseas Promotion Bureau, the State Council Information Office attended the forum. Dr. Du Peng presided over the forum.
Dr. Zhang Donggang stressed that the forum aims to bring together the wisdom of all parties to seek the sustainable development of cultural heritages and the integration of diverse civilizations against the backdrop of the great development of digital and intelligent technologies. It is the responsibility for universities around the world to protect cultural heritages in the new era. As a leading university in the field of humanities and social sciences in China, RUC uphold the concept of innovative development, and has conducted researches on tangible and intangible cultural heritage protection, restoration and relevant legislation studies. Through academic exchanges from various perspectives of all civilizations, cultural heritages will be endowed with new meanings in the new era.
While presiding over the forum, Dr. Du Peng said that countries around the world have splendid cultural heritage resources, which are the treasures of human civilization and play an important role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations around the world. The academia plays an important role in the process. It is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the great value and significance of cultural heritage protection, and carry out heritage education and practices step by step.
Participants discussed on the topics of “Cultural Heritage: Education and Practice”, “Cultural Heritage: Development and Creativity” and “Museums: Activation and Innovation”.
Dr. Zhang Donggang and the RUC delegation also paid a visit to the university’s Shenzhen Research Institute during their stay in Guangdong. Dr. Zhang affirmed the achievements of Shenzhen Research Institute over the past years, and encouraged the institute to take the lead in serving the development of China’s “Double Area” strategy and talent hub building, and to play a constructive role in promoting RUC’s international cooperation and alumni work in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Prof. Shi Yan ‘an, Director of the International Office, council member and Deputy Secretary General of the Academic Association for International Cultural Exchange (AAICE), Zhou Rong, Director of Alumni Work Office and Secretary General of RUC Alumni Association, Prof. Guan Xueling, Executive Vice President of Shenzhen Research Institute, Prof. Zhang Xiaomeng, Deputy Director of the International Office and Deputy Secretary General of the the Academic Association for International Cultural Exchange (AAICE) attended the activities.
