On October 13, 2024, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University held the 5th CISS Youth Meetup. Twenty-five CISS Youth members from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Harvard University, Cambridge University, and other universities at home and abroad participated in this event online and offline. Da Wei, Director of CISS; Xiao Qian and Chen Qi, Deputy Directors of CISS; Dong Xiaoman, Junior Professional Officer (JPO) of UN Youth Office; Song Bo, Fellow of CISS; Wen Jing and Wang Congyue, Postdoc Fellows of CISS, attended this Meetup as guests. Zhang Yuanshinan, Secretary General of the 5th CISS Youth, moderated the Meetup.

Group Photo of the Meetup

In the beginning, Professor Da Wei delivered a video speech, expressing his congratulations and expectations for the 5th CISS Youth. He emphasized that all CISS Youth members should position themselves as professionals who are ready to engage in research and work on international issues and make use of the platform of CISS Youth to prepare for their career development. He expected all CISS Youth members to maintain their enthusiasm and leverage their creativity to make the CISS Youth program more professional and international and explore a more mature and sustainable development path.

 Video Speech Delivered by Professor Da Wei

Deputy Director Xiao Qian pointed out in her speech that the original intention of CISS Youth is to let youths learn about China and the world through an international platform and develop in their professional fields. She hoped that the youths could work together to enhance the international influence of the CISS Youth platform and gave valuable suggestions on how to improve the academic research and practical participation of CISS Youth members.

Speech Delivered by Deputy Director Xiao Qian

Professor Chen Qi put forward his expectations for CISS Youth members in terms of research and activities. In terms of research, CISS Youth members should focus on both basic theoretical research and strategic issues research, balancing care for the real world with a solid grasp of basic theories. In terms of activities, CISS Youth members should strive to create “core business” and “brand activities” and focus on the core activities to carry out more targeted work throughout the year.

Speech Delivered by Deputy Director Chen Qi

Ms. Dong Xiaoman, JPO of the UN Youth Office from China, delivered a video speech. She mentioned that the United Nations is paying more and more attention to and encouraging young people to play a role in global governance and that Chinese youths should seize the opportunity to make more contributions on the global stage. She also encouraged the youths in the audience to find their own direction through interaction with the real environment, instead of limiting themselves to a certain “optimal track.”

Video Speech Delivered by Ms. Dong Xiaoman, JPO of the UN Youth Office from China

After the guest speeches, Huang Ying, Secretary General of the 4th CISS Youth, reviewed the achievements of the past year, hoping the new CISS Youth can voice courageously and rationally, adopt innovative thinking, and pursue international influence. After that, Zhang Yuanshinan, now Secretary General of CISS Youth, introduced the CISS Youth program and members of the current secretariat and announced the work plan for the current year in terms of activity arrangement and project progression.

Zhang Yuanshinan, Secretary General of the 5th CISS Youth, Announced the Annual Work Plan.

In addition, Jiang Shaocheng and Yang Haoting, members of the 4th CISS Youth, spoke as representatives, sharing the opportunities and growth they have gained in CISS Youth and encouraging the new CISS Youth to be proactive in implementing ideas. Then, Koen Smeets and Li Yijie, representatives of 5th CISS Youth, shared their expectations for the CISS Youth program.

Representatives of the 4th and 5th CISS Youth

At the end of the event, Song Bo, Fellow of CISS, and Wen Jing and Wang Congyue, Postdoc Fellows of CISS, delivered messages to CISS Youth members, hoping that they can take the initiative to make use of CISS Youth as a platform to do what they love and gain valuable friendships. Finally, members of 5th CISS Youth took turns to introduce themselves, and the Meetup came to an end in a relaxed, happy, free exchange among the members.

 Wen Jodie and Wang Congyue, Postdoc Fellows of CISS, and Song Bo, Fellow of CISS, delivered messages.

The following is the list of the secretariat and members of the 5th CISS Youth:

List of the Secretariat and Members of the 5th CISS Youth