The 60th anniversary of Beijing International Studies University (BISU) was celebrated on Oct 19, with faculty, students, alumni, and officials gathering online and offline.

BISU celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Rao Quan, deputy minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, congratulated BISU on its 60th anniversary and recognized the school's outstanding academic development, international collaboration and talent cultivation. Beijing Deputy Mayor Ma Jun also highlighted BISU's pivotal role as the city's only municipal foreign language university in nurturing outstanding talent and advancing educational reform.

Ji Jinbiao, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee and president of the university, delivered a welcoming address, reflecting on the university's development over the past six decades.

He noted that, established under the guidance of Premier Zhou Enlai, BISU has consistently adhered to its mission of fostering "Sino-foreign cultural exchanges", successfully training a multitude of professionals in foreign affairs, economic and trade relations and international communication.

Yin Dongmei, secretary of the CPC Shanghai International Studies University Committee, congratulated BISU for its 60th anniversary and emphasized the profound friendship among foreign language institutions nationwide.

Fabrizio Hochschild, former UN under-secretary-general and special adviser to the secretary-general, underscored the importance of education in promoting international cooperation.

He noted that BISU has produced numerous talents with global perspectives and encouraged the institution to continue fostering educational innovation and international exchanges.

BISU alumnus and former Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Wu Sike recalled his experience at BISU. In his speech, he made particular mention of his five encounters with Premier Zhou Enlai, who cared a lot about BISU's development.

Wei Mingqian, secretary of the CPC Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events Committee, chairman of the group and a BISU alumnus, reflected on how his studies at BISU exposed him to a rich tapestry of cultures and ideas from around the world.

Zhang Daoyi, a recipient of the Translators Association of China’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Translation and a former president of BISU, extended his best wishes via video. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all faculty and students for their hard work and dedication to the university, and he urged them to contribute to the nation's translation cause and strive for even greater achievements.

Student representatives presented flowers to senior faculty members, honoring their unwavering commitment and significant contributions.  

Student representatives present flowers to senior faculty members. 

The awarding of the "Phoenix Tree Medal" was also held, recognizing 12 exceptional students for their devotion to academic studies and noble virtues.

BISU students are awarded with the "Phoenix Tree Medal". 

In addition, BISU, in collaboration with 25 universities and institutions from 10 countries and regions, launched the Initiative on Promoting International People-to-people Exchange, which aims to further enhance international talent exchange.

The guests jointly release the Initiative on Promoting International People-to-people Exchange.

The event culminated with a rendition of Ode to the Motherland.