On 25 April 2023, a delegation led by Zhang Chi, the deputy director-general of the Department of Civil Affairs of Jilin Province and member of its Leading Party Group, visited the Open University of China (OUC), also known as the Seniors University of China (SUC), to attend a symposium on advancing high-quality development of senior education.

Liu Chen, the deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee, and other relevant personnel were present at the event.

Liu Chen warmly welcomed the attending experts and visitors and highlighted the need to strengthen the development of SUC in all aspects to promote high-quality senior education. He emphasized the importance of system construction and the enrichment and improvement of new models of senior education tailored to the unique circumstances of different regions. This is aimed at providing the elderly with a happy and fulfilling life in the context of China's development and reforms.

Zhang Chi introduced the current state of senior education and related work being carried out by the civil affairs system in Jilin Province. He stated that the SUC has been actively promoting the integration of senior education and elderly care services to proactively address the national strategy of population ageing. He expressed his hope that the two universities could leverage their respective strengths to enhance cooperation and exchange, and jointly explore new models of senior education.

The attending experts engaged in discussions on the high-quality development of senior education, focusing on connotation analysis, path exploration, and key measures.

The delegation also visited the OUC's "Internet Plus" Exhibition Centre and the SUC's exhibition on "Opening a New Chapter of Senior Education in China". They gained in-depth insights into the OUC's development and achievements, as well as the SUC's preparation and establishment process.

Written by Ma Songxin, photographed by Wang Ruyan and Ma Songxin