The 2025 Yangtze River Delta Forum on Internationalization of Private Higher Education Institutions was held at the Academic Exchange Center of Sanda University in Shanghai. Co-hosted by Sanda University and the Shanghai Research Center for the High-Quality Development of Private Universities, the forum focused on the theme “Exploring Deep Integration and Innovative Pathways for the Internationalization of Education.” It attracted university leaders, scholars, and international education professionals from across the Yangtze River Delta region. NBUFE was represented by a delegation led by Vice President Shen Yunci, accompanied by heads of the Office of International Cooperation and the College of International Education.
The forum officially opened at 9:00 a.m. on April 19. Opening remarks were delivered by Chen Yiyi, President of Sanda University; Jiang Hongbo, Deputy Secretary of the Shanghai Private Education Comprehensive Party Committee; and Zhou Qinjian, Director of the International Exchange Division of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission. All three speakers emphasized the critical role of educational internationalization in the context of globalization and the unique contribution of private universities to China’s efforts to open up its education sector to the world. Following the opening, several renowned experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on the motivations, positioning, and strategic approaches to internationalization, as well as how private universities can better leverage high-quality global resources.
（Prof. Hu Shangui）
On the morning of April 20, Professor Hu Shangui, Dean of NBUFE’s College of International Education, delivered a keynote presentation during the “Experience Sharing on International Exchange and Cooperation in Private Universities” session. His report, titled “Connected by the Silk Road, United through Education: Advancing the High-Quality Development of the China–Slovakia Silk Road College,” explored the motivations and influencing factors behind internationalization at private institutions. He introduced the university’s profile and provided a comprehensive overview of the China–Slovakia Silk Road College, including its background, development process, achievements, impacts, and future objectives. His presentation garnered significant attention from participants.
During the forum, Vice President Shen Yunci held in-depth discussions with Wang Shenggang, Chair of the Professional Committee on International Exchange and Cooperation of the China Association for Non-Government Education and former Deputy Secretary-General of the China Scholarship Council, as well as Zong Wa, Executive Council Member and former Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and jointly building platforms to support the international development of universities.
The successful convening of this forum provided a valuable platform for private universities in the Yangtze River Delta to exchange ideas and share best practices. It also offered new insights into the deep integration and innovation of education internationalization. Moving forward, NBUFE will continue to advance its internationalization strategy, enhance cooperation platforms, and expand global engagement channels to cultivate high-caliber talents with global vision and intercultural competence.
(Written and photographed by: Fan Jiani, Office of International Cooperation; Reviewed by: Hu Shangui, College of International Education)