#China #South-South Cooperation #Beijing #Peking University #ISSCAD

A Decade of Academic Collaboration: Celebrating ISSCAD's 10-Year Anniversary

On April 29, 2026, the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) at Peking University commemorated its 10th anniversary with a grand forum on sustainable development attended by leaders, diplomats, and alumni from all over the world. The institute was founded in 2016 with the vision of harnessing the development experiences of emerging countries, allowing them to contribute to global knowledge in development studies.

The event featured renowned personalities such as Justin Yifu Lin, the honorary dean of ISSCAD and former chief economist at the World Bank, who emphasized the institute's unique approach, drawing insights from the developmental experiences of not just China but other developing nations as well. This innovative educational framework is pivotal in nurturing a new generation of leaders capable of addressing contemporary global challenges.

Among the notable attendees were Ismail Zabeeh, a former minister from the Maldives and current doctoral student at ISSCAD, and Eric Dodoo-Amoo, an alumnus from Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, representing how the program attracts high-profile professionals eager to advance their knowledge and skills. Both men, along with several other graduates, participated in the anniversary celebrations at the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center, which highlighted the common aspirations of the Global South through a vibrant parade featuring flags from over 80 countries.

ISSCAD’s mission to foster academic exchange and practical engagement has led to the training of many high-ranking officials and diplomats from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, integrating theoretical research with real-world political practice in China. This dual approach underscores the institute's commitment to facilitating knowledge transfer between diverse developing regions, thus reinforcing its role as a knowledge hub.

The celebration was not only a reflection of past achievements but also a launch pad for future ambitions. With the aim to transform ISSCAD into a globally recognized center for academic innovation and knowledge exchange in the coming decade, Lin outlined ambitious goals that seek to elevate the institute's profile internationally.

Furthermore, the event provided a platform to discuss the significance of increasing South-South collaboration in the years ahead. Arkebe Oqubay, a prominent figure in industrial policy from Ethiopia, referred to the upcoming decade as a vital period for enhancing these collaborative efforts, pointing out the pressing need for developed and developing nations to work together in innovative ways.

Abigail Shoniwa, Zimbabwe's ambassador to China, also contributed to the dialogue by indicating how policymakers in her nation have gained directly from the insights gleaned through ISSCAD programs, illustrating the tangible impacts of the institute’s work.

As the institute looks forward to a new chapter in its journey, it remains dedicated to cultivating an academic environment that nurtures future leaders capable of enlightening and transforming their nations with the knowledge acquired.

In conclusion, the 10th anniversary of ISSCAD marks not just a celebration of its history, but a reaffirmation of its mission to create a future where developing countries can exchange knowledge and experience to achieve sustainable development together. The light ceremony that followed the forum symbolized unity and shared goals, resonating with the institute's aim to create a connected global community engaged in collaborative growth and development.