On November 9th, the China-Italy University Presidents Forum was held at Peking University, co-hosted by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and universities from Italy. The event aimed to foster dialogue between nearly 50 universities from both countries, with Minister Huai Jinpeng in attendance. Students from Business School of RUC, part of the ACE Program, participated the event.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella delivered a keynote speech. He stressed the importance of stronger dialogue and exchange between different civilizations, and encouraged more student exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation and jointly address global challenges.
An Italian student from the program expressed her love for China and shared her many discoveries and gains during her studies here with China Media Group (CMG). “I hope for more opportunities to fully understand China.”
The forum focused on “Fostering Intercultural Exchange and Nurturing Outstanding Talents,” with discussions on cultural heritage, talent development, and technological innovation and the future mission of higher education in higher education. As part of the event, the Europe-China Youth and Student Exchange Initiative was launched in Italy, with students from the program feeling inspired by the board prospects of Sino-Italian educational cooperation.
Additionally, a student sub-forum themed “Youth Responsibility, Collective Action--Creating a Sustainable Shared Future” featured in-depth discussions between Chinese and Italian students, enhancing their understanding of bilateral cultural exchanges.
Participation in these activities has deepened students’ appreciation for the historical ties between China and Italy and the role of universities in cultural exchange. It has motivated them to contribute to global progress, cultural understanding, and the building of a shared future for mankind.
About the ACE Program
The RUC Business School, in collaboration with LUISS University in Italy and George Washington University (GWU) in the United States, launched the world’s first triple bachelor’s degree program, namely the ACE Program in 2022. ACE stands for American, China and Europe, or Awareness, Cosmopolitan and Entrepreneurship. This pioneering program spans China, Europe, and the United States, aiming to explore new models of international cooperation in talent cultivation and to develop future global business leaders. The four-year program allows students from the three institutions to study at their home universities in the first year, followed by three years of joint study at each partner institution. By graduation, students will receive three bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Management from RUC, a Bachelor of Business Administration from LUISS, and a Bachelor of Business or International Business from GWU.
In September 2024, the first cohort of students embarked on their academic journey at RUC after two years of study. Over the course of a year, they will not only engage in coursework but also immerse in the rich traditional culture of China, and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills. The program is designed to nurture students into outstanding business professionals with an international perspective, diverse thinking, social responsibility, and the ability to operate and lead in cross-cultural business environments.
