The 12th Global Annual Conference of Confucius Institutes were held in Xi’an, China on the 12th-13th December 2017. Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, was the capital city of ancient China and is now known as the city of culture for its long and rich cultural heritage of famous dynasties. The old Silk Road originated from Xi’an and is the starting location of the “The Belt & the Road Initiative”.
Vice Premier of the State Council, People’s Republic of China, Chair of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, Madam Liu Yandong, graced the function. The other distinguished guests were: Mr Chen Baosheng, Minister of Education, People’s Republic of China, Vice Chair of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters; Mr Hu Heping, Secretary of Shaanxi Provincial Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) and Governor of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government, People’s Republic of China; and Mr Tian Xuejun, Vice Minister of Education, People’s Republic of China, Executive Council Member of the Confucius Institute Headquarters.
The main theme of the conference was “Development of Confucius Institutes and Building of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind”. There were several keynote speakers on the opening day of the conference, among whom were Dr. C. Daniel Mote, Jr., President of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering Council Member of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, United States of America, who talked about 21st century thinking of assembled talents for a shared vision through innovation and open thinking. He is the founder the first Confucius Institute in the United States of America in 2004. Dr Anatoli Tozik, Director of Republican Confucius Institute of Sinology at Belarusian State University, Former Vice Premier of the Republic of Belarus emphasized on the building of a global community with shared vision. He also said that “through language, one best understands a country and its culture”.
There were a number of Directors’ and Presidents’ forums over the two days of the conference and the Directors’ Forums covered topics such as ‘Performance Management of Confucius Institutes’; ‘Capacity Building of Teaching staff of Confucius Institutes’; ‘Innovation of Teaching and Resources for Confucius Institutes’; and ‘Building Partnerships between Confucius Institutes, Business and Public Organizations’. The Presidents’ Forums discussed about ‘Responsibilities of Chinese and Host Universities for the Success of Confucius Institutes’; ‘Confucius Institutes’ Strategies of Development through Innovation’; ‘Deepening Cooperation between Chinese and Host Universities through Confucius Institutes’; and ‘Strengthening People-to-People Bonds by Confucius Institutes’.
The conference also held a number of exhibitions; the Confucius Institute of Chinese Language Teaching (CLT) Resource Exhibition showcased the achievements of international CLT resources, online platforms and various Chinese language and cultural products. There was also, amongst others, a “Creative Calligraphy Exhibition” by the College of Chinese Calligraphy, Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education and Xi’an Technological University.
All the delegates were invited to an exceptional art performance, at Xi’an Concert Hall, by the ‘Large Original Ethnic Orchestra Music Suites’ and it was entitled “Morningstar Lilies Glowing Forever”. The composer was Mr Wang Danhong and the Conductor was Mr Yan Huichang.
A copy of the agenda of the conference is available on our website (Restricted Access).
The Vice Premier of the State Council, People’s Republic of China, Chair of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, Madam Liu Yandong, addressing the audience for the opening ceremony of the 12th Global Annual Conference of Confucius Institutes, Xi’an, China, 2017.
A snapshot of the audience, Directors of CIs and Presidents of Universities, attending the 12th Global Annual Conference of Confucius Institutes, Qujiang International Centre, Xi’an, China, 2017.
