The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held in Beijing from Oct 17 to 18, saw the active participation of 152 volunteers from Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). This remarkable turnout made BFSU the leading contributor of volunteers among all participating universities. 

BFSU students provide volunteer services at the High-Level Forum on Digital Economy of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Zhang Zitong (2nd from left), a student at BFSU’s School of International Journalism and Communication, provides translation services for news interviews. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The recruitment of volunteers for this forum commenced in mid-August, and after a rigorous selection and training process, a total of 152 volunteers from 17 schools of the university, including the School of English and International Studies, the School of Arabic Studies and the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, were assigned various roles. 

They offered professional interpretation, translation, information collection and reception services for both domestic and foreign dignitaries, as well as media staff. 

What set their volunteer efforts apart was the impressive diversity of languages represented by the volunteers, which included Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Bengali and Cambodian. Their skills were pivotal in filling over 60 vacancies in several essential roles. 

Yang Dan, president of BFSU and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, participates in the forum and talks with BFSU volunteers on Oct 18. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Teacher and student representatives from BFSU’s Bengali language program present a gift to Dipu Moni (C), Minister of Education of Bangladesh. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

BFSU students not only served as volunteers but also took the opportunity to share Chinese culture and build connections with international guests, strengthening diplomatic ties and showcasing the vigor of the youth in the new era. 

The Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League sends a letter of appreciation to BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In recognition of their outstanding commitment, the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League sent a letter of appreciation to BFSU, encouraging students at the university to continue their role as narrators of Chinese stories, participants in volunteer services, and conveyors of the spirit of collaboration. 

BFSU's active participation in volunteer services is a testament to the university's commitment to leveraging its academic strengths to enhance language services. Over the years, the university has encouraged BFSUers to contribute their time and expertise to major events such as the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Hangzhou Asian Games and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

As they continue to make strides in the global arena, BFSUers exemplify the spirit of international cooperation, showcasing their dedication and the importance of cultural exchanges on the world stage.