Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held its matriculation ceremony for the new academic year on Sept 9, where it welcomed 3,070 new students from across China and 221 international students from 58 different countries.

Jia Wenjian, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and president of the university, extended a warm welcome and congratulations to the incoming students and provided advice for the journey ahead.

Jia encouraged the students to set clear goals and align personal development with the broader mission of serving the people and benefiting society. He emphasized the importance of resilience, urging them to draw experience and strength from setbacks and challenges and maintain a positive mindset as they progress towards their goals.

He also highlighted the value of effective communication, advising students to utilize the university's multilingual resources to develop a well-rounded knowledge base and pursue personal growth, as well as to engage with the world, embrace different cultures and contribute to mutual understanding.

BFSU represents the beginning of a new chapter for the students, Jia said, adding that he hopes they will embody the university's motto of “Learn with an Open Mind, Serve a Great Cause”, and grow into talented individuals with multidisciplinary skillsets who approach life with patriotism, a global vision and professionalism.

In her speech, Irina Bokova, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and honorary dean of BFSU’s School of International Organizations, spoke highly of BFSU's efforts in promoting global exchanges and mutual learning.

In an increasingly interconnected world, developing global competence is a key educational goal and a necessary condition for addressing global challenges, Bokova said, adding that the UN needs talented young people with global competence, and BFSU is a leader in this field.

Representing the BFSU faculty, Wan Fang, a doctoral advisor at the Law School, encouraged the incoming students to uphold the university's spirit, pursue academic excellence, explore new ground and embrace their roles in society with enthusiasm and dedication.

The ceremony also included a session for student representatives to talk about their previous learning experiences and expectations for their life in university.

The event was broadcast live through multiple video platforms, which allowed parents and the wider community to enjoy the proceedings.

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