On July 2, the Conference on Advancing Internationalisation Efforts was held on Nanjing University Xianlin Campus. Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS attended the event.
Tan Tieniu emphasized that the primary goal of the conference was to review NJU's progress in internationalisation, summarize achievements, analyze current challenges, and define strateges and measures for advancing the university's internationalisation efforts. He outlined three key requirements for further promoting NJU's internationalisation effors.
First, it is essential to deeply understand the significance of advancing internationalisation efforts. Among the "Six Musts" in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, one is "We must maintain a global vision." Promoting internationalisation is a necessary response to the unprecedented changes in the global landscape over the past century. It is also essential for building China into a strong nation in education, science and technology, and talent, as well as for accelerating the development of NJU into a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.
Second, it is crucial to recognize the challenges and issues in the university's internationalisation efforts. Historically, NJU has played a leading role in internationalised education. In recent years, particularly since the implementation of the "Forging Ahead Initiative", NJU has made significant progress in promoting high-level educational openness to the world. However, challenges remain in areas such as the extent of internationalisation within the faculty, the scale and structure of international students and outbound exchange programs, the impact of international research collaborations, the level and scope of joint educational programs, and the management and support systems needed to align with internationalisation efforts. These challenges must be addressed with urgency and determination.
Third, multiple measures must be taken to comprehensively advance NJU's internationalisation efforts. Efforts should focus on optimizing management and coordination mechanisms for internationalisation, reforming initiatives related to international students, and enhancing incentive and evaluation systems for internationalisation efforts. Talent development must be prioritized, with strengthened recruitment of international faculty and improvements to the environment for fostering international talent. Additionally, the management and service teams should enhance their capacity for supporting internationalisation. International cooperation must be deepened, and quality resources must be integrated. Global educational and scientific resources should be consolidated, multi-level global cooperation networks should be strategically planned, and international innovation platforms should be strengthened. Active participation in global education dialogues is also essential. Furthermore, the construction of an internationalised environment for science and education must be accelerated, fostering a positive atmosphere. This includes improving infrastructure and facilities for internationalisation and enhancing resource support.
Assistant President Ding Aijun presided over the meeting and delivered a report on the progress of internationalisation efforts. He provided a comprehensive review of NJU's history and achievements in internationalisation, analyzed existing concerns, opportunities, and challenges, and presented the specific implementation plans and current status of the university's internationalisation efforts.
Zhang Yi, Dean of the Institute for International Students; Zhao Yu, Deputy Dean of the School of Environment; Peng Yue, Dean of the Law School; and Fan Junxuan, Professor at the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, delivered speeches. They shared insights into the execution and outcomes of internationalisation efforts within their respective schools, drawing from their experiences in teaching, student development, and research.
University leaders Liu Miao, Chen Yunsong, Suo Wenbin, Jiao Ruihua, Li Bin, Wen Yu, and Jiang Tian, along with heads of various schools and departments, leaders in charge of internationalisation efforts, and representatives from various units, attended the conference. An online sub-venue was set up on Suzhou Campus.
