The First Conference on High-Level Education Openness from the Persective of Chinese Modernization, a parallel forum held during the ongoing 12^th Beijing Humboldt Forum, took place at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) on Sept. 21.

Huang Baoyin, Secretary of the CPC UIBE Committee and Director of the Institute of World Influencial Education Center delivered an opening speech. He emphasized the significance of the conference amid China's ongoing efforts to deepen reforms and promote the Chinese modernization.

Huang highlighted the focus of the recently held National Education Conference on building an education power, and expressed hopes that the forum would foster dialogue on advancing high-level education openness.

"Against the backdrop of comprehensive reforms set forth by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, this forum seeks to promote international exchange on education openness," Huang said. He also emphasized UIBE's commitment to international engagement, noting that in 2023, the university hosted 90 international delegations, fostering vibrant global exchanges.

The conference featured keynote speeches from a range of prominent experts in education and international relations.

Yang Jin, Former Permanent Representative of China to UNESCO, addressed key issues in international education, focusing on the core competencies required for future talent development.

Jia Wenjian, President of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), discussed the evolving role of universities in the new era, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and enhanced internationalization efforts amid global change.

Nobel Laureate in Economics Michael Spence delivered a video address, highlighting global challenges and stressing that education openness could help address socio-economic issues, including sustainable growth and equitable development.

Raffaella Campaner, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the University of Bologna, shared her insights on how interdisciplinary studies and technological innovation are key to fostering high-level education openness.

Lo Yuen Yi, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong, discussed how innovative teaching methods can promote international collaboration through online platforms, transcending geographical and cultural barriers.

Andreas Löschel, a member of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering, elaborated the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and previewed talent development in the energy sector.

Wang Daquan, Director of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, reiterated that higher education plays a crucial role in building an education power, with international study serving as a key symbol of education openness.

Organized by the UIBE Institute of World Influencial Education Center, the conference attracted participants from around the world to share experiences and strategies for improving education openness, discussing how international cooperation can enhance talent development, economic growth, and cultural exchange.