On October 31st, the 7th International Cultural Festival and the International Education Achievement Exhibition in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the “Belt and Road” Initiative were held at Jimin Square on the Liulin Campus of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE). International students from 84 countries and regions, along with Chinese students, participated in this grand international cultural exchange event. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Li Zhisheng, Vice President of SWUFE.
During the opening ceremony, Li Zhisheng delivered a speech on behalf of the university, extending sincere congratulations on the successful organization of the cultural festival. He emphasized SWUFE’s longstanding commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and international students. The International Cultural Festival holds a prominent position as the university’s flagship event for international exchange. Against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, this International Cultural Festival not only commemorates SWUFE’s development and achievements in international education within the framework of the “Belt and Road” Initiative over the past decade but also provides an opportunity to witness the implementation and expansion of educational cooperation among universities participating in the “Belt and Road” Initiative. It is a platform for exploring the diverse and vibrant cultures and histories of each country. Furthermore, this event marks a new beginning, driving us to continue promoting high-quality development under the “Belt and Road” Initiative and working tirelessly toward the creation of an open, inclusive, interconnected, and mutually developed world.
The opening ceremony’s main torchbearer for the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu, Italian international student Giordano Tudino, took the opportunity presented by the International Cultural Festival to donate his ceremonial torch to the university’s archives. Giordano expressed his hope that this torch, symbolizing peace and friendship, would serve as an inspiration for more students to pursue their dreams and continuously challenge themselves. The Director of the Archives, Jin Yuanping, accepted the donation and presented Giordano Tudino with a donation certificate.
During the opening ceremony of the International Cultural Festival, students from various countries around the world delivered a splendid cultural performance, showcasing their talents through dance, songs, poetry recitations, and instrumental performances. On that day, the event featured 46 meticulously arranged national booths, where teachers and students were guided through a journey of global cultures. They had the opportunity to savor international cuisine and immerse themselves in a diverse cultural experience.
The local authorities responsible for international students, collaborative units between the university and the local community, sister universities, and various relevant departments within the university were invited to attend the International Cultural Festival.
The year of 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal for the “Belt and Road” Initiative. This year’s International Cultural Festival carries the theme “Belt and Road, Connecting the World.” It provides a comprehensive retrospective of the 10-year journey of international education at SWUFE, highlighting its abundant achievements. As a prominent international event of the university, the International Cultural Festival has not only garnered widespread attention and active participation from students, both domestic and international, but has also served as a platform for expanding horizons, fostering friendships, and building bridges of communication among students from different cultures. It has become a splendid spectacle at our university where diverse international civilizations converge, offering a setting for young people from around the world to learn from each other.
