A Decade of Cross-Border Education: Celebrating ISSCAD's 10th Anniversary

Celebrating a Decade of ISSCAD: A Milestone in Global Education

On April 29, 2026, a momentous celebration took place at Peking University (PKU) as the Institute for South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) commemorated its 10th anniversary. This gathering brought together students and alumni from over 80 countries to reflect on a decade of pioneering educational practices that have fostered international collaboration.

Among those attending was Ismail Zabeeh, a former government minister of the Maldives, who embarked on his doctoral studies at ISSCAD to gain insights into development processes through direct experiences shared by rapidly developing countries. His academic journey at ISSCAD has been enriched by the unique perspective he gained from his prior experiences in public service.

Zabeeh's story is just one of many that exemplify the impact of ISSCAD. Eric Dodoo-Amoo, head of the China department at Ghana's Ministry of Finance, also graduated from ISSCAD in 2022. Their attendance at the anniversary forum focused on sustainable development in the Global South highlighted the institute's commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through education.

Established in 2016, ISSCAD was built on the premise that developing countries possess valuable knowledge worthy of systematic study. “The most important innovation of this institute is that it draws from the experiences of China and other developing countries in the realm of development,” noted Justin Yifu Lin, Honorary Dean of ISSCAD and former Chief Economist of the World Bank.

The anniversary forum included participation from government officials, scholars, and diplomats who united to underscore the institute's role as a vital platform for talent development, policy research, and international exchange. He Guangcai, Chairman of PKU’s Council, and senior officials from China’s international development agency, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Education reaffirmed their support for ISSCAD’s continued mission.

Highlighting the importance of the next decade, Arkebe Oqubay, a former Chief Minister of Ethiopia and a leading expert in African industrial policy, stated this period is crucial for deepening cooperation among Southern nations. Abigail Shoniwa, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to China, remarked that policymakers in Zimbabwe have directly benefitted from the insights gained through ISSCAD programs.

The tenth-anniversary celebration featured a special ceremonial light-up and flag parade attended by students and graduates from around the globe, symbolizing unity and shared aspirations among the Global South. Over the past decade, ISSCAD has trained high-ranking officials, diplomats, and scholars from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, offering doctoral and master’s programs that blend academic research with fieldwork in Chinese policy contexts.

As ISSCAD enters its second decade, Lin articulated a new vision for the institute, aspiring for it to evolve into a globally recognized center for academic innovation and knowledge exchange among developing nations. Moving forward, the commitment to fostering dialogue and sharing best practices will continue to be at the forefront of ISSCAD’s initiatives, building on a foundation that celebrates the wealth of knowledge available within the Global South.