Peking University, November 30, 2021: On November 19, 2021, the International Symposium on "Social Governance
and Social Welfare from a Comparative Perspective"jointly organized by
Peking University (PKU) Institute of State Governance Studies (ISGS) and
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
was held online. 22 experts, scholars and heads of institutions from
China and the United States gave keynote speeches. Due to the time zone
difference between the two parties, this seminar was held in two time
periods, 9:00-12:00 in the morning and 21:00-00:30 in the evening,
Beijing time.
Prof. Merit Janow
The opening ceremony of the seminar and the first keynote speech were
hosted by Professor Sun Zhe, co-director of Columbia SIPA. Professor
Merit Janow, dean of Columbia SIPA, and Professor Yan Jirong, dean of
the PKU School of Government, delivered speeches respectively. They
believe that this conference will provide a platform for experts and
scholars of the two countries to conduct comprehensive discussions and
deepen mutual understanding.
Prof. Yan Jirong
Professor William B. Eimicke, founding director of the Picker Center for
Executive Education of Columbia SIPA, delivered the first keynote
speech. As a founder, firm supporter and active participant of
cooperation between SIPA and ISGS, Professor William expressed his hope
to continue to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides,
and provided a comprehensive analysis of domestic policies of the Biden
administration. He believes that the economic relationship between China
and the United States will remain interdependent, that the Biden
administration acknowledges China’s fast growth rate, and will face up
to domestic issues and undertake policies to meet the challenges. After
his speech, other scholars also put forward their views and opinions.
The meeting in the evening was hosted by Professor Tian Kai, vice president of the PKU National Governance Institute.
Professor Ju Hua from the PKU ISGS took "Coordinators in Grassroots
Governance: Legitimization and Rationality" as her topic, and analysed
the current status of important non-staff group "coordinators" in
China's grassroots governance. Other scholars touched on pertinent
topics concerning governance in China and the United States, like the
housing affordability plans of the Biden administration and the
development of Chinese social organizations since 1979.
After the presentations, Professor Sun Zhe, co-director of the China
Initiative at Columbia University and Professor Wang Puqu, dean of PKU
ISGS, delivered closing speeches.
Sun Zhe believes that the theme of this conference is practical and
timely. At present, both China and the United States are facing the
problems of restoring economic and social development and ensuring
people’s livelihood in the post-pandemic period. It is believed that
discussions of various governance issues can help optimize the
development of the Sino-U.S. relationship from different aspects and
perspectives.
Wang Puqu pointed out that symposiums between Peking University and
Columbia University have produced fruitful academic results in the past
six years. He hopes that this symposium can continue to deepen the
understanding between the two universities and the scholars of the two
countries. He expressed gratitude to Professor Merit Janow and Professor
Sun Zhe, and looks forward to holding offline meetings after the
pandemic.
Group Photo
Written by: Lean Zhi Xuan
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
