On November 10, the ‘GAB-Student Dialogue’ Series of the Global Advisory Board (GAB) members of the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) of Tsinghua University and Tonato Foundation China - Tsinghua University 2023 Alumni Event were successfully held. The event was hosted by the Tsinghua SPPM, organized by the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University (TUSDG) and supported by Tonato Foundation China. Ms. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, GBA member of Tsinghua SPPM, and member of the International Advisory Committee of TUSDG, delivered a speech on ‘UN SDG Agenda 2030 and Dialogue among Civilizations’. Wu Wei, Secretary General of Tonato Foundation China, delivered a speech, while Zhu Xufeng, Dean of Tsinghua SPPM and Executive Director of TUSDG moderated the event. More than 100 teachers and students, including Liao Ying, Director of Tsinghua University's Centre for Global Competence, attended the event offline and online.

Remarks by Wu Wei

Wu Wei, Secretary General of Tonato Foundation China, introduced the establishment of the Foundation and its development in China, noting that the Foundation is orientated towards the SDGs and carries out work involved different areas such as early childhood development and education, leadership development, etc. He expressed his willingness to work together with Tsinghua University to continue to promote the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ international public administrative talent cultivation, and committed to carry out diversified activities to provide a broad stage for all kinds of talents.

Keynote Speech by Irina Bokova

Irina Bokova introduced the background of UNESCO and its development goals by referring to the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and President Xi Jinping's visit to UNESCO in 2014. She mentioned that UNESCO is first and foremost to contribute to peace, a concept that is more relevant now than ever before. She called for enhanced dialogue among civilizations to build a foundation for mutual understanding through the recognition of cultural diversity. Secondly, she elaborated on the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the significance of sustainable development in education and culture. She also gave a detailed account of UNESCO's initiatives and practices, in particular its efforts and experience in the protection of cultural heritage. She then interacted with the audience.

Moderated by Prof. Zhu Xufeng

The Event

Group Photo