On October 13, 2024, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University held the inaugural meeting for the 5th CISS Youth. Twenty-five members from institutions, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Harvard University, and the University of Cambridge, participated both online and offline. The event featured speeches from CISS Director Da Wei, Deputy Directors Xiao Qian and Chen Qi, United Nations Youth Office official Dong Xiaoman, and Assistant Researchers Song Bo, Wen Jing, and Wang Congyue. The meeting was moderated by Zhang Yuanshinan, Secretary-General of the 5th CISS Youth.
The event commenced with a video address from Professor Da Wei, who congratulated the new cohort and emphasized the importance of positioning themselves as professionals ready to engage in international studies and work. He encouraged the members to utilize the CISS Youth platform to prepare for their careers, maintain enthusiasm, and foster creativity, aiming to advance the program’s professionalization and internationalization.
Ms. Xiao Qian highlighted the founding purpose of CISS Youth: to provide a platform for young people to understand China and the world through international channels and to expand their professional fields. She expressed hope that the members would work together to enhance the platform’s international influence and offered valuable suggestions on improving academic research and practical engagement.
Mr. Chen Qi addressed both research and activities, advising members to balance theoretical research with strategic issue studies, ensuring a solid grasp of foundational theories while caring for real-world concerns. He also encouraged the development of “core business” and “signature activities,” focusing the year’s work on these central endeavors.
Ms. Dong Xiaoman, a Junior Professional Officer from the United Nations Youth Office, delivered a video address, noting the UN’s increasing emphasis on encouraging youth participation in global governance. She urged Chinese youth to seize opportunities and contribute more on the global stage, advising them to find their paths through interaction with real-world environments rather than confining themselves to a single “optimal track.”
Following the guest addresses, former Secretary-General Huang Ying of the fourth cohort reviewed the past year’s achievements and encouraged the new cohort to express themselves boldly and rationally, apply innovative thinking, and pursue international influence. Secretary-General Zhang Yuanshinan introduced the CISS Youth and the current Secretariat members and outlined the annual work plan, covering event arrangements and project advancements.
Representatives from the 4th cohort, Jiang Shaocheng and Yang Haoting, shared their experiences and growth within CISS Youth, encouraging the new members to be proactive and implement their ideas. Current members Koen Smeets and Li Yijie also expressed their expectations for the program.
The event concluded with Assistant Researchers Song Bo, Wen Jing, and Wang Congyue offering their best wishes to the members, encouraging them to take initiative on the CISS Youth platform, pursue their passions, and build valuable friendships. The meeting ended with members introducing themselves and engaging in relaxed and enjoyable interactions.
