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2025 Modern Governance Forum: Exploring Governance in a Changing World

On November 16, 2025, Tsinghua University hosted the 2025 Modern Governance Forum. This significant event brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners for in-depth discussions centered on the theme of global public governance amid transformative global changes. Supported by the Chinese Society for Public Administration and organized by the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) at Tsinghua, the forum aimed to address current challenges and innovations in governance.

Keynote Opening by Guo Yong

The forum commenced with an opening address from Guo Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee at Tsinghua University. He emphasized the critical role universities play in responding to sweeping changes around the world, particularly in strengthening research and practice in global public governance. He highlighted the necessity for systemic innovations within global governance frameworks, advocating for an independent knowledge system in Chinese public administration to contribute effectively to global governance insights.

Insights into Planning and Governance

Li Baorong, President of the Chinese Society for Public Administration, underlined the significance of Five-Year Plans as a hallmark of CPC governance. He pointed out that strategic determination, institutional adjustments, and societal consensus have facilitated effective planning and implementation. His encouragement for enhanced research efforts and academic contributions served as a rallying point for attendees striving to advance the modernization process in China.

Engaging Keynote Speakers

The primary session featured presentations from three distinguished experts:

1. Zhu Yunlai, former President and CEO of China International Capital Corporation Limited, offered a compelling analysis of the global demographic challenges from economic and actuarial perspectives. His insights shed light on the potential impacts of these challenges on governance and policy planning.

2. Barry Naughton, Professor at UC San Diego and holder of the So Kwan Lok Chair in Chinese International Relations, explored the dynamics of global governance in an increasingly bipolar world. This analysis is crucial as international relations continue to evolve, reflecting shifting power balances.

3. Luis Vassy, President of Sciences Po, discussed the importance of nurturing future leaders who possess both expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives essential for effective governance.

Following the keynote presentations, four parallel forums provided deeper dives into pressing topics:

• - Geopolitical Shifts and World Economic Governance: This session examined the implications of changing geopolitical landscapes on global economic policies.
• - Digital Transformation in Governance and Global Digital Inclusion: Discussions highlighted the need for inclusive digital governance strategies that ensure equitable access throughout the global digital landscape.
• - Socioeconomic Fluctuations and Governance Resilience: This forum focused on enhancing societal resilience amidst economic fluctuations, a vital consideration for effective governance.
• - Global Change and the Restructuring of World Governance: Here, experts contemplated reconfigurations in global governance structures necessitated by ongoing international transformations.

Through these discussions, the 2025 Modern Governance Forum at Tsinghua University illustrated the critical intersections between China’s planning system and global governance challenges, fostering a collaborative environment to tackle the complex issues of today and tomorrow. As participants shared their knowledge and perspectives, the forum exemplified the role of academia in shaping public policy and governance in a changing world.

The event not only served as an informative platform for discussing governance but also exemplified the symbolism of collective effort in promoting innovations and solutions relevant to current global challenges. As we look towards the future, the initiatives discussed at this forum may pave the way for proactive strategies in governance both locally and globally.