Third Global Young Scholars Forum Successfully Held at Tongji University

On April 20, 2024, the Third Global Young Scholars Forum, organized by Tongji University’s China Institute for Strategic Studies and School of Politics and International Relations, was successfully held under the theme “The Global South and World Transformation.” Scholars from various countries, including China, Germany, the UK, Italy, the US, Australia, India, Greece, Malaysia, and Nepal, gathered to discuss key topics such as the Global South, global governance, regional cooperation, world transformation, and innovations in international relations theory.

The opening ceremony, hosted by Professor Zhong Zhenming, Vice Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations, featured a welcome speech from Professor Lv Peiming, Executive Vice President of Tongji University. Professor Lv emphasized the Global South's pivotal role in reshaping the global landscape, driven by economic growth in developing countries and their aspirations for reforming global governance. He highlighted the importance of bringing together scholars from both developed and developing nations to explore these issues in a spirit of inclusivity and openness.

The forum comprised multiple themed sessions. Professor Jinghan Zeng from Lancaster University chaired the first session, focusing on “Global Governance and Institutional Design.” Professor Song Wei of Renmin University proposed strategies to strengthen the Global South's voice within global governance mechanisms, including enhancing representation in international organizations and power distribution frameworks.

In another session, Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong from Deakin University discussed China's environmental leadership and the illicit wildlife trade in Southeast Asia, while Professor Arun Sukumar from Leiden University explored governance challenges posed by emerging technologies, advocating for the Global South’s increased involvement in informal intergovernmental organizations.

The closing remarks were delivered by Professor Zhong, who summarized the forum’s insights and thanked participating scholars. He noted that the forum fostered a blend of perspectives and advanced mutual understanding around topics critical to the Global South’s role in global governance, systemic transitions, and regional cooperation. He expressed hope for continued dialogue and collaboration in the future.