The Second Franco-Chinese Forum on Higher Education and Development is held in Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The Second Franco-Chinese Forum on Higher Education and Development was co-organized by China's Ministry of Education and France's Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space in Chengdu, Sichuan province on Dec 5. Li Hai, secretary of the CPC Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Committee, attended the forum and spoke as a representative of Chinese universities at a sub-forum.

At the forum, Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng delivered a keynote speech. Huai highlighted the importance of new paradigms in scientific research collaboration to advance innovations benefiting the economic and social development of China and France. He encouraged a new chapter in cultural exchange, urging universities to strengthen cooperation in philosophy, humanities, and social sciences, and to explore interdisciplinary research for future human civilization.

French Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste noted at the event that this forum has initiated a new phase in Franco-Chinese educational development. He expressed hope that both countries will further strengthen dialogue and cooperation to better address global challenges together and create a brighter future.

Li Hai delivers a speech at the forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Meanwhile, Li Hai, secretary of the CPC BFSU Committee, spoke on "building a future-oriented talent cultivation system to promote sustainable development".

He emphasized that innovation in talent cultivation systems is crucial for addressing global sustainable development challenges. He noted that Sino-French educational cooperation has common goals and a solid foundation; and BFSU is eager to collaborate with French universities to advance Sino-French educational cooperation and cross-cultural exchange, contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

Leaders, experts, and scholars from over 100 universities in China and France participated in the forum.