Renmin University of China Held its first Global Leadership Forum

Guests from Various Ministries and International Organizations Discussed Talent Development for 2050

On November 4, 2024, Renmin University of China (RUC) announced the establishment of the nation's first School of Global Leadership. On May 22, the Global Leadership Forum, titled "Global Governance and Leadership Talent Development for 2050," was held in Beijing. The event was hosted by Renmin University of China, organized by the School of Global Leadership and the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies (RDCY), and cooperated with the School of Global Governance. Guests from international organizations, universities, research institutions, and government departments gathered together to discuss how to cultivate more future global leaders who meet the needs of the era, the world, and China in the digital and AI era.

In the speech session, Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council of Renmin University of China, Yao Jianguo, Deputy Director of the International Exchange Center of International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), Zhao Lei, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, and Guan Zhiyong, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), delivered Opening Remarks in succession. Zhi Xiaqiang, Vice President of Renmin University of China moderated the speech session.

Zhang Donggang stated that Renmin University of China established the first School of Global Leadership among Chinese universities in 2024, dedicated to providing solid peace forces and talent support to promote world peace and development, and to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Using the Global Leadership Forum as a platform for cooperation, RUC will work hand in hand with experts from various countries, to foster a global leadership talent cultivation system that prioritizes value leadership, to focus on capability building, and to emphasize practical experience. RUC aims to create an integrated operational mechanism combining faculties and think tanks, to contribute new strategies that can promote comprehensive human and social development, to improve the global-civilization dialogue and cooperation network, and to use global leadership to build consensus on values, strengthening the foundation of development, guiding the direction of civilization, and as a result, to advance global governance and all progressive endeavors worldwide.

Yao Jianguo stated that under the background of the world is undergoing global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century, the global governance is also facing profound changes. There is an urgent need for new models of global governance that align with human common values and the trends of human civilization, as well as leaders who possess foresight, innovation capabilities, and a global perspective. Global Leadership Forum focuses on the cultivation of future leaders and the transformation of global governance, reflecting RUC's mission to serve national strategies and promote human progress. He looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Renmin University of China in areas such as global governance research and the training of future leaders, contributing to the reform of the global governance system.

Zhao Lei stated that the cultivation of global governance talent is a significant topic concerning education and development, as well as an important issue for China and the world. He hopes that RUC can continue to deepen its exploration in talent cultivation in the field of global governance. By innovating interdisciplinary talent development models, exploring the integration of industry and academia to strengthen theoretical support, and adhering to openness and inclusiveness to set examples in international exchanges, universities and colleges are now having the chance to explore a "smart + governance" model for talent cultivation. Global leadership talent training need aim to nurture leaders with broad horizons and up-to-date knowledge, provide stronger support for building a strong educational nation.

Guan Zhiyong stated that aimd global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century,and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, China has always been a builder and leader in the construction of a new global governance system. RUC Global Leadership Forum, as the first high-level dialogue platform for global leadership among Chinese universities, offers innovative ideas and practical approaches to addressing development deficits and improving global governance. The International Cooperation Agency will continue to deepen cooperation with prestigious institutions such as Renmin University of China and think tanks, supporting the establishment of a global talent exchange platform and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Later, Launching ceremony of the Chinese and English official website and new media accounts of the School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China was held. The appointment ceremony for professors from the School of Global Leadership and senior researchers from the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies also took place. Zhang Donggang; Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China; Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, Former UN Under-Secretary-General; Current Researcher at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP); Senior Researchers at the Kent Conflict Mediation Project in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University; Yao Jianguo, Zhao Lei, Guan Zhiyong; Zhi Xiaoqiang, Vice President of Renmin University of China;Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and the School of Global Leadership, jointly conducted the launch ceremony.

At the appointment ceremony, Zhang Donggang presented appointment letters to the representatives of the newly appointed professors of the School of Global Leadership. The attending professors included Du Peng, Dean and Professor of the School of Population and Health, RUC; Zhang Xiaomeng, Professor of RUC, Secretary of the CPC Discipline Inspection and Supervision School of RUC Committee; Deng Jinting,  Professor of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision School, RUC; Wei Dedong, Professor of the School of Philosophy, RUC; Chen Zhongyang, Professor from the School of Finance, RUC; Zhong Xin, Professor of the School of Journalism and Communication, RUC; Cheng Xiaohe, Professor of the School of International Studies, RUC; Chen Yongjun and Xu Kaiquan, Professors of the School of Business, RUC.

At the research outcomes release session, the forum released the books "Looking at China in the New Era from the World’s Perspective" and "Countries’ Compounding Development and China’s Competitive Edge", as well as the think tank report "The Changing Situation of the Century and Global Leadership Talent Training for 2050".

 "Looking at China in the New Era from the World’s Perspective" compiles the perspectives of 33 foreign political leaders, scholars, and experts on issues concerning China and the world from the angle of foreigners seeing China and the world. It delves into in-depth analysis and discussion on global development, global governance, cooperation among developing countries, Chinese-style modernization, and the future of the Belt and Road Initiative. The book highlights the positive significance of China's path of reform and development for both the Chinese people and the world at large, effectively telling China's story with reason and evidence in the international discourse, and spreading China's voice.

"The Compound Interest Development of the Nation and China's Development Advantages" summarizes and proposes six characteristics of "compound interest development": accumulative, growth-oriented, long-term, comprehensive, innovative, and sustainable. It points out that over the past seventy-plus years, China's development has shown significant manifestations in these six aspects, forming a tremendous momentum for development. In the future, China needs to further deepen reforms comprehensively, continuously break down development barriers, and strive for a better life for the Chinese people and the world at large.

The think tank report "The Changing Situation of the Century and Global Leadership Talent Training for 2050" points out that as global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century accelerates, traditional Western-style global leadership is increasingly unable to adapt to changes in the international landscape, leading to a leadership deficit globally. In this context, the international community's demand for new types of global leadership and leadership talent is becoming more urgent. The report indicates that there is currently a global leadership talent gap exceeding 14 million. It emphasizes that global leadership talent for 2050 should possess strategic vision and operational wisdom to navigate complex changes, addressing multiple challenges such as technological revolutions, climate crises, the reshaping of multipolar order, and generational transitions.

In the keynote speech session, Siddharth Chatterjee and Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond respectively delivered keynote speeches.

Siddharth Chatterjee pointed out that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, building a new leadership system has become an urgent task for the international community. Global leaders in 2050 must be bound by cross-cultural empathy, integrate systems thinking and inter-generational equity into their decision-making frameworks, establish a dynamic balance between technology empowerment and human values, and achieve global public good through new collaborative models involving government, market, and society. The United Nations is at the core of sustainable development goals, relying on institutional designs like the "Global Digital Compact" to promote the transformation and upgrading of multilateral mechanisms, construct a leadership network empowered by public and private sectors, and ensure that technological innovation translates into a driving force for inclusive development.

Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond emphasized that the leadership talent needed in 2050 must not only possess a global perspective, forward-thinking capabilities, and technical literacy, but also be committed to continuous learning, deep understanding, and the cultivation of AI-resistant abilities and intrinsic qualities. As artificial intelligence and biotechnology advance rapidly, we must remain vigilant against unforeseen social risks and strengthen unique human capabilities such as ethics, empathy, and critical thinking. He stressed that a truly promising future depends on whether we can respond to the fundamental needs of both the North and South with more inclusive and responsible leadership, rebuilding a more united and confident international community.

At the roundtable discussion, Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, Chen Wenling, Former Chief Economist, China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE). Zhang Ning, Vice President of Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy, Chairman of International Competence Development Committee, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the China Scholarship Council, Monica Bruckmann, Professor of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Zhang Xiaomeng, and Wang Jianhua, Dean of School of Chinese Studies and Cultural Exchange, RUC; Deputy Dean of School of Global and Area Studies, RUC,  engaged in a discussion on the theme "Leadership Development for the Future: Global Experiences and China’s Practices."

Drummond,believes that the world can learn from China on multiple levels. For example, while maintaining a long-standing civilization, China remains humble and eager to learn, showing respect for diversity, sovereignty, and development paths; it leads in green technology; it emphasizes balancing risk regulation with value orientation in the governance of emerging technologies; and it stresses flexible dialogue and upholding the United Nations' status in multilateral cooperation. He stresses that future leadership should be built on a deep understanding of global trends, technological changes, and climate challenges, and calls for continuous learning and enhancing international perspectives.

Chen Wenling stated that China and the world are undergoing a great transformation unseen in a century, and the world in 2050 will be entirely different from today. To cultivate future leaders, we must base our efforts on common global realities, such as shared challenges, visions, and expectations, and work together to create new forms of human civilization. The global anticipation for the future should be planned, nurtured, and forged from now on.

Zhang Ning stated that in the face of the challenge of a billion people by 2050, countries around the world need innovative talents, globally competent talents, and global leadership talents. China's global leadership talents, in particular, must possess cross-cultural communication skills, cross-cultural collaboration capabilities, and cross-cultural organizational leadership abilities. They should be able to effectively convey China's development facts, sentiments, and values while fully respecting other civilizations and cultures, and engage in cross-cultural cooperation.

Monica Bruckmann pointed out that Brazil and Latin America are deepening comprehensive cooperation with China. She called for expanding economic and trade cooperation to include technology and leadership. In the face of the rise of emerging powers in the Global South, it is crucial to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of intercultural dialogue. At the same time, language is a key tool for promoting global cooperation, and Brazilian universities are actively encouraging students to learn Chinese to broaden their international perspectives.

Zhang Xiaomeng pointed out that shaping future-oriented global leadership requires enhancing cross-cultural understanding in dialogue, seeking common ground while respecting differences among diverse cultures, and building consensus. It involves addressing uncertainties with a global perspective, a sense of mission, and empathy. Global leaders should possess both local roots and a humanistic spirit, leading change with responsibility and foresight, integrating their own countries' development into the community of shared future for mankind, and promoting sustainable global common development.

Wang Jianhua used the research on the mediator mechanism of international organizations by students from the School of Global Governance of RUC as an example to discuss the practice of global leadership development. He stated that the research process focuses on cultivating students' abilities in research, humanities, and language skills simultaneously. He emphasized that RUC has always been committed to fostering comprehensive student capabilities, and students will make significant contributions in international leadership.

The opening ceremony, appointment ceremony, keynote speech and round table dialogue were hosted by Wang Wen.