A virtual seminar with the theme on “Effective Communication in International Conferences” was jointly organized by the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation, UNDP China, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, and the College of International Development and Global Agriculture at China Agricultural University. Han Hua, member of the Executive Committee of the China Forum was invited to share her insights into how civil society organizations can achieve greater effectiveness in international communication through innovative approaches.

As the West remains a dominator in the international discourse system, China faces tremendous challenges in international communication, Han Hua noted, highlighting the important role of civil society organizations in extricating China from the narrative of the “wolf warrior diplomacy” and creating a more positive image of the country.

Han Hua shared real-life practices of how civil society organizations have achieved effective international communication, pointing out that such success cannot be achieved overnight but requires continuous improvement in professionalism and practical skills, in order to navigate different linguistic, social and discourse systems. To this end, the China Forum has hired professional international communication trainers to support its experts to gain a deeper understanding of the Western discourse system and public opinion on China, so as to enhance the impact of their voices in the global arena. In addition, Han suggested that before attending international conferences, the Chinese experts need to do their homework and be better prepared to answer challenging questions from the moderator and other participants.