Tianjin University Global South Institute Co-Hosts the 5th “Forum of 50 Scholars on China’s Country and Area Studies”

From March 28 to 30, the 5th Forum of 50 Scholars on China’s Regional and Country Studies was held in Hangzhou. Centered on the theme “How to Study the Global South”, Tianjin University’s Global South Institute (affiliated with the School of Foreign Languages) actively engaged in thematic discussions and conference coordination as a co-organizer. Professor Wang Lisong, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Rotating Chair of the Global South Institute, led a delegation to attend the forum and delivered a keynote speech.

The “Forum of 50 Scholars on China’s Country and Area Studies” is a high-end academic brand dedicated to building by the Alliance for Talent Cultivation and Discipline Construction of Regional and Country Studies in Universities. By inviting leading experts in regional and country studies and related supporting disciplines to jointly explore macro-level, cutting-edge, key, and common issues in the discipline construction of Country and Area Studies, it facilitates dialogue and intellectual exchanges among diverse perspectives and ideas on a shared platform, aiming to forge academic consensus and provide robust support this field with Chinese characteristics, style, and spirit.

Professor Wang Lisong was invited to deliver a keynote report entitled “Interdisciplinary Integration in Humanities, Sciences, and Medicine: The Path of Tianjin University's Global South Institute.” Drawing on the University’s interdisciplinary practices in humanities-arts, humanities-science, science-engineering, and medicine-engineering, the report systematically shared Tianjin University’s new models and approaches in advancing Global South research, which received high attention from participating experts. Upholding the mission of “cultivating talents for the nation and educating people for the Party” to strengthen education, Tianjin University is committed to responding to major national strategies and nurturing “region-literate, country-literate, and field-literate” talents. The University has established a doctoral program in Country and Area Studies as a primary academic discipline and took the lead in founding the nation's first Global South Institute. Guided by Global South research, Tianjin University’s approach focuses on five core pathways: talent cultivation, academic research, think tank development, international exchanges, and social services. It aims to provide Chinese solutions for the common development of the Global South and contribute Tianjin University’s insights to meeting national strategic needs.

Professor Wang Zhan, Distinguished Professor at the School of Foreign Languages, Executive Director of the Global South Institute, and Lead Principle Investigator of the Major Project of the National Social Science Fund, was invited to deliver a keynote report entitled “Becoming Practitioners of the Global South”. Drawing on his long-term research and fieldwork in African countries, Professor Wang noted that country and area studies can offer profound insights into the politics and economies of other nations, enabling responses to the complex international landscape. He emphasized that, against the backdrop of the collective rise of the Global South, country and area studies in China must prioritize empirical research when exploring the Global South. This involves understanding the political systems, economic development trajectories, and strategic objectives of Global South countries through practice, and reflecting on how to enhance China’s leading role in the Global South to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Professor Gou Yanjun, Assistant Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Director of the Global South Institute’s Office, was invited to chair the fourth keynote speech of the second parallel sub-forum.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of Tianjin University. Seizing this opportunity, the Global South Institute will strive to develop into a national high-end think tank with world-class standards, Chinese characteristics, and Tianjin University’s ethos. It aims to produce high-quality research and policy recommendations, demonstrating the university’s commitment to national development and academic excellence.