On July 31, the Third Plenary Session of the Twelfth Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at Nanjing University was held at the Xianlin Campus. The meeting was presided over by Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Counciland Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. On behalf of the Standing Committee of the CPC NJU Committee, he delivered a work report titled "Embarking on a New Journey, Striving for Higher Quality Development." The meeting was attended by Tan Zhemin, President of Nanjing University and Academician of the CAS.
The primary task of this meeting was to uphold and integrate Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply implement the guiding spirit outlined in the Twentieth National Congress of the Communist Party of China and all its subsequent plenary sessions. It aimed to thoroughly study and carry out Xi Jinping Thoughts on Party-building, his important July 1st speech, and the essential reply he made to Nanjing University's young scholars who returned to China after studying abroad. The objective was to fully implement the deployment of the 12th CPC Congress of the University, systematically summarize efforts made this year, analyze new trends and requirements, and plan the University's "15th Five-Year Plan" along with the "Forging Ahead Initiative 2.0". The goal was to work persistently towards implementing various tasks for the year, uniting the faculty, students, and staff to focus on embarking on a new journey for high-quality development, and accelerating the construction of Nanjing University as a first-class university with Chinese characteristics recognized globally.
In his report, Tan Tieniu pointed out that since 2026, the Standing Committee of the University Party Committee has thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the latest key discourses of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and his important reply to young scholars at Nanjing University who returned from overseas. They have also delved deeply into cultivating and practicing a correct view of political achievements and have systematically planned and drafted the University's "15th Five-Year Plan." He comprehensively summarized achievements in the coordinated promotion of various efforts for high-quality development. Tan Tieniu further analyzed the existing challenges and shortcomings in current projects, stating that with greater resolve and stronger measures, these issues must be effectively addressed through continued effort in the future.
Tan Tieniu emphasized the need to further deepen and expand the achievements of learning and education, resolutely shouldering the historical mission of contributing to national strategic scientific and educational strength. He also outlined specific measures for fully implementing the University's plans, and proposed requirements to advance high-quality development guided by high-quality Party-building. Tan Tieniu underscored that we must closely unite under the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, work harder with greater cohesion, strive for progress, act decisively, and respond to the opportunities of our time. By embarking on a new journey, we can drive higher-quality development, accelerate the building of a world-class Nanjing University with Chinese characteristics, and contribute to the historic mission of advancing the nation's modernization and achieving national rejuvenation.
Vice President Lu Xiancai presented a report on the drafting process of NJU's "15th Five-Year Plan." The formulation of the plan is guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, closely aligned with the trinity strategy of education, science, and talent. The plan adheres to national strategies, aligns with the University's unique characteristics, and prioritizes scientific methodology. The fundamental goal is to incorporate the construction of "Unique Nanjing University" into the national strategy for strengthening the country through education, ensuring alignment and synergy between the University's development and national strategic deployment.
Attending representatives were divided into five groups to conduct in-depth discussions on the work report, the "Nanjing University's15th Five-Year Plan' (Draft for Discussion)," and the "Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the Twelfth Committee of CPC at Nanjing University (Draft)."
Gao Yang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Dean of the School of Intelligent Science and Technology; Yu Honghai, Dean of the School of Management & Engineering; Li Xiaoyu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Journalism and Communication; Zhao Yu, Dean of the School of Environment; and Zhang Jianbing, Director of the Information Technology Construction and Management Service Center, delivered group speeches. They unanimously agreed that the University's various operations have seen steady development and significant results this year. The work report is highly strategic and inspirational, providing an action guide for the University's high-quality development. The "15th Five-Year Plan" of the University is deeply aligned with national strategic needs, exhibiting forward-thinking and leadership, with clear goals and detailed pathways.
Representatives proposed numerous suggestions regarding matters such as fulfilling the fundamental tasks of moral integrity education, discipline development, scientific research innovation, talent team building, the digital development of Nanjing University, improving governance efficiency, resource development, and the planning process. They expressed a determination to foster unity, build consensus, and actively move forward by fulfilling their responsibilities and translating the blueprint into reality.
The conference deliberated and adopted the "Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the Twelfth Committee of CPC at Nanjing University" and the "Nanjing University '15th Five-Year Plan.'"
In his concluding remarks, Tan Tieniu noted that the conference reviewed and summarized the work done so far this year, deeply analyzed the new environment and requirements influencing the University's development, and systematically planned key tasks for the remainder of the year. It achieved its goals of unifying thought, boosting morale, clarifying direction, and advancing implementation. He emphasized that 2026 marks the starting year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" and the critical period for implementing "Forging Ahead Initiative 2.0," which focuses on accelerating the journey towards building a world-class Nanjing University with Chinese characteristics. He called for renewed efforts to elevate the University on four fronts: aligning with the demands of the times and embracing the mission of serving the nation; actively embracing transformation and deepening reform; enhancing accountability and improving delivery outcomes; and recalibrating the view of political achievements while further expanding and deepening learning outcomes. By persisting in striving forward, Nanjing University will rise to new heights and embrace new opportunities for innovation.
