Students of NingboTech and the University of Nicosia explored how eastern and western civilizations could learn from each other via video link on May 4, China's Youth Day.
The event, part of the educational cooperation between Ningbo and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, is aimed at promoting exchanges between the two universities and the two cultures by providing a virtual platform for communication.
Presided over by ZHANG Yarui, a NingboTech student, the event was attended by guests including Dr. CHENG Meng, deputy director of NingboTech's International Affairs Office, Prof. CAI Liang, deputy dean of the School of International Studies, Prof. GONG Kuihong at the School of Marxism, Nicolas Ioannides, director of academic affairs at the University of Nicosia, Myria Thrassou, head of student affairs, and Dr. Emilios Solomou, director of UNESCO Chair.
In his address delivered on behalf of NingboTech, CHENG Meng gave a brief introduction to the international exchange of the university in recent years, looked back on the days in 2019 when Nicosia delegation visited NingboTech for the "Cyprus Week" and participated in the China-CEE Education Exchange Conference, and hoped that deeper cooperation could be possible in the future by fully leveraging the geographical advantages of Ningbo and Nicosia, two coastal cities.
In his address, Nicolas Ioannides appreciated the sustained cooperation and exchange between the two sides despite the pandemic, which, he hoped, could be further deepened through concerted efforts. He then further elaborated on the university's master's program.
ZHANG Jing and ZHAO Yuxin, student representatives of NingboTech, introduced splendid traditional Chinese culture including Chinese characters, embroidery and sugar painting, while their Nicosia counterparts Elisabeth Charalambous and Jessica Terrell presented the history, culture and customs of Cyprus to Chinese teachers and students. Emilios Solomou's detailed and illustrated introduction to the time-honored and deep connection between the Greek civilization and Cyprus showed the national spirit of the Cypriot. GONG Kuihong's vivid description of the characteristics of the Greek culture and humanistic tradition was a real eye-opener. In addition, teachers and students of the two universities also deepened mutual understanding and enhanced friendship by keeping each other updated about their campus life.
In his concluding remarks, CAI Liang first reviewed the cooperation between the two universities since 2018, updated the attendees on the latest progress of relevant cooperation projects, and hoped exchanges between the Chinese and Greek civilizations could be deepened. He suggested that in the future, the two sides further strengthen cooperation and carry out deeper academic exchanges centering on thoughts of Erasmus and WANG Yangming, two great contemporary educators and philosophers in the West and the East.
General Secretary XI Jinping pointed out during his visit to Renmin University of China that we should give full play to the unique role of philosophy and social sciences in integrating Chinese and foreign cultures and enhancing exchanges so as to make a contribution to the establishment of a community with a shared future for mankind. This online youth forum is successful practice of the School of International Studies to conscientiously implement the guiding principles embodied in General Secretary XI Jinping's speech and promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations by realizing youth's potential. In the future, the students will be actively engaged in cultural exchanges, cultivate their sense of responsibility, and contribute their share of wisdom to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
