The International Forum of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Co-hosted Confucius Institutes 2024 took place at the start of the week. The forum aimed to enhance communication among BFSU’s Confucius Institutes and promote their high-quality development.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee; Zhao Gang, member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university; as well as representatives from partner institutions, including Eötvös Loránd University, Sofia University, and Moscow State Linguistic University. Directors and deans from 22 Confucius Institutes in 18 countries also participated in the forum.

Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the opening ceremony of the International Forum of BFSU Co-hosted Confucius Institutes on Nov 18. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Jia Wenjian emphasized that the forum embodied the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, while marking a significant moment for reflecting on and envisioning the joint efforts of BFSU and its partners on the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute brand. Jia highlighted that BFSU has prioritized its role in the development of Confucius Institutes, leveraging its strengths in multilingual teaching, regional studies, and interdisciplinary development to deepen international exchanges in language education.

Jia advocated for continuous improvement in teaching quality, optimized teaching systems, and innovations in management practices to strengthen the foundation of the Confucius Institutes. He spoke of their role as bridges for fostering multicultural exchanges, joint talent cultivation, and creating mutual benefits between Chinese and global institutions. Jia also underscored the importance of sustainability, public welfare, and local integration in enhancing the influence of Confucius Institutes, enabling more people worldwide to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture.

Reinhard Pöllath, donor of the Stiftung ex oriente, delivers a speech. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Reinhard Pöllath, donor of the Stiftung ex oriente, noted that language learning provides inspiration, promotes communication, and fosters interpersonal connections. The progress of Confucius Institutes is achieved through cooperation, which begins with language, leads to mutual understanding, and deepens self-awareness, he said. He expressed hope for continued collaboration and a shared future among Confucius Institutes and their partners.

Following the speeches, Jia Wenjian presented awards to two Confucius Institutes for winning the “Best Organization Award” in the 2024 “SEE Love: My Story with the Confucius Institute” video competition. He also recognized five Chinese directors with the “Outstanding Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute” award for the 2023–2024 academic year and presented honorary medals and certificates to four directors receiving the “Confucius Institute Director Memorial Medal”. 

Shana Tong, president of Maryknoll School, and Chen Xi, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University, deliver keynote speeches. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Group photo of the participants during the International Forum of BFSU Co-hosted CIs 2024 on Nov 18. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Over the two-day forum, participants engaged in discussions across three sub-forums focusing on teacher development, expanding areas of cooperation and building brand projects.