Recently, a delegation led by Zhang Haigang, deputy editor-in-chief of 21st Century English Education Media at China Daily (abbreviated as 21st Century), visited the Open University of China (OUC, also known as the Seniors University of China, SUC).

A round-table discussion was held where both parties engaged in dialogue on topics including academic exchange, international communication, external exchange, and talent development. Liu Xuanxuan, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of the OUC Discipline Inspection Committee, chaired the event. Participants included He Jing, head of the OUC’s Publicity Department, Zheng Jipeng and Xiong Ying, vice deans of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, and Zhao Tingting, deputy director of the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development.

Liu Xuanxuan stated that, given the primary responsibilities and unique strengths of both parties, there are abundant opportunities for cooperation and mutual development in the future. The OUC will enhance academic exchanges with 21st Century by collaborating on platforms such as the Belt and Road Languages and Cultures Network and the Global English Education China Assembly. Together, we aim to promote the advancement of language education, empowered by artificial intelligence and technology. We hope that 21st Century will highlight the achievements the OUC has made since its establishment 45 years ago and draw attention to significant international events, such as the annual meeting of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). By fostering international communication, we aim to enhance the global influence of the OUC.

Zhang Haigang outlined the comprehensive landscape of the 21st Century, emphasising their commitment to a dual development strategy of "media + education." This strategy aims to foster international communication among Generation Z and enhance Chinese-foreign cultural education exchanges. The newspaper seeks to establish a close collaboration and form a robust partnership with the OUC, providing mutual support. By participating in each other's major activities and jointly planning impactful special reports, both parties can effectively share the remarkable stories of the OUC and the high-quality advancement of China's vocational and online education with domestic and international audiences.

The two parties also discussed talent cultivation in language and international communication, as well as the viability of jointly publishing international journals in their respective fields of expertise. Plans were also formulated to further advance these efforts in the near future.

By Xiong Ying, OUC