Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) committee, led a delegation to the United States, Cuba and Panama from Sept 22 to Oct 2.

The trip included participation in the Sino-US University Presidents’ Dialogue 2024, as well as visits to several prestigious higher education institutions including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Stony Brook University, New York University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Havana and the University of Panama for expanded collaboration and tighter bonds.

The delegation also met with officials of the United Nations Headquarters, the Chinese consulate general in New York, the North American Regional Bureau of Xinhua News Agency and the Chinese embassy in Cuba, as well as BFSU alumni residing in the three countries.

Wang Dinghua delivers a keynote speech at the Sino-US University Presidents’ Dialogue 2024 on Sept 23, suggesting increased exchanges between students and scholars from both countries, the establishment of a Sino-US Higher Education Research Center, research on AI applications in education and collaborative projects aimed at enhancing teachers’ capabilities. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua (R) and Katherine Baicker, provost of the University of Chicago, sign a cooperation agreement on Sept 23 for deepened collaboration on short-term and master’s programs. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During their visit to Northwestern University on Sept 24, delegation members express a willingness to explore new models of international cooperation on exchange programs and joint research, particularly in the fields of education, public policy and country and area studies. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During his visit to the University of Chicago on Sept 24, Wang Dinghua (3rd L) reviews the partnership between BFSU and the university over the past decade and extends invitations for future interactions, particularly in BFSU’s Discover China summer program. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

At Stony Brook University on Sept 25, Wang Dinghua (R) and Carl W. Lejuez, executive vice-president and provost of the university, sign a memorandum of understanding. They recall their previous collaborations and express hopes of deepening cooperation in such areas as joint training, visiting programs and research projects. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Delegation members meet with BFSU alumni working at the United Nations Headquarters on Sept 25, praising their contributions to the promotion of BFSU’s voice on the global stage. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua (L) meets with Yu Yougen, education counselor of the Chinese consulate general in New York on Sept 25. Delegation members and officials of the consulate general discuss the comprehensive skill requirements for language professionals at overseas diplomatic missions, as well as the potential for further cooperation between China and the US in culture and education. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The delegation attends the BFSU Alumni Association in North America's celebration and welcome event on Sept 25 and learns about alumni’s experiences at BFSU, as well as their work and studies abroad. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the meeting with officials of New York University on Sept 26, Wang Dinghua (2nd R) expresses hope that the two universities will further expand academic collaboration and exchange programs and establish substantive cooperation in such areas as student development, teacher training, online education, academic research and summer programs, aiming to create a new model for Sino-US talent cultivation. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During his trip to the North American Regional Bureau of Xinhua News Agency on Sept 26, Wang Dinghua (4th L) emphasizes Xinhua’s role as a world-class media outlet with global influence and explores opportunities for BFSU students to learn from and intern with Xinhua’s experienced journalists. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

At Columbia University on Sept 26, Wang Dinghua introduces the current development of BFSU, especially its construction of education disciplines. He looks forward to deepening cooperation with the university’s Teachers College in terms of faculty and student visits and joint academic activities. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

At Vanderbilt University on Sept 27, delegation members and officials of the university’s Peabody College formulate practical cooperation plans and discuss the cultivation of global competence in the context of AI and technological transformation. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua (L) and Dra. Miriam Nicado García, rector of the University of Havana, sign a cooperation agreement on Sept 28. BFSU and the University of Havana have broad cooperation opportunities in such areas as joint research, academic journals, exchange programs and short-term projects, Wang says. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

On Sept 28, the delegation visits the Chinese embassy in Cuba and meets with Chinese ambassador to Cuba Hua Xin (5th R) and other officials. Wang Dinghua (5th L) thanks the embassy for its strong support of BFSU over the years and says that the university will continue to promote educational and cultural cooperation between China and Cuba and contribute to the cultivation of more talents with a global vision and cross-cultural communication skills. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua (L) and Eduardo Flores Castro, rector of the University of Panama, sign a letter of intent for exchanges and cooperation on Sept 30. Wang affirms the importance of the university as a key partner for BFSU to expand cooperation in Latin America, noting their potential for further collaborations in humanities education and social sciences. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The delegation visits the Confucius Institute at the University of Panama on Sept 30, where Wang Dinghua (4th L) praises its role in promoting people-to-people friendship and strengthening cultural ties and educational cooperation between China and Panama. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]