Ocean University of China Holds Successful International and Chinese Students' Roundtable Forum

To gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development program, appreciate Qingdao's advantages in marine development, and tell the story of Qingdao's marine achievements, on the afternoon of August 23rd, the Ocean University of China held an international and Chinese students' roundtable forum at the Western-style lecture hall of Xingzhi Building. The forum received enthusiastic responses from both international and Chinese students. Qin Shanghai, the Party Secretary of Haide College, Li Wenqing, the Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee of Ocean University of China, Yu Dehua, the Vice Dean and Deputy Party Secretary of Haide College, Li Biyi, the Director of the Student Affairs Department of the International Education College, Li Xiaotong, the Secretary of the Youth League Committee of Haide College, and others attended the forum.

Prior to this, with the strong support and guidance of the university's Youth League Committee, Haide College and the International Education College jointly conducted a social practice week for international and Chinese students. The theme was Rowing with Effort, Building Dreams of the Deep Blue: Deep Encounters with the 'Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development' in Qingdao. Students from both China and abroad participated in practical activities such as field visits, research, and experiences. This roundtable forum aimed to summarize and share the social practice week for international and Chinese students, guide them to experience Qingdao's positive role in the construction of a maritime power, and contribute to the sustainable development of the oceans.

In the first part of the forum, members of the social practice teams of both international and Chinese students discussed Qingdao's marine development advantages from various angles such as marine research, marine industry, marine openness, marine military development, and shell carving art. They shared their practical experiences and insights comprehensively and multidimensionally. After listening to the students' presentations, Qin Shanghai pointed out, in conjunction with the theme of the 2023 World Ocean Day, The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods, that the road to marine environmental protection and sustainable development is arduous. Domestic and international students should work hand in hand and shoulder the responsibility of ocean development.

Subsequently, the roundtable forum entered the discussion section, addressing topics such as the challenges facing the oceans, the ocean's shared destiny, and the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development program. Participants from both international and Chinese backgrounds actively shared their opinions based on their own experiences and engaged in in-depth communication. The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is a large-scale, long-term ocean science revolution on a global scale. It is designed to curb the declining health of the ocean and ensure that the ocean continues to provide strong support for humanity's long-term sustainable development. It has garnered widespread international attention and has a profound impact on the development of marine science and global ocean governance. Through this discussion, students from both China and abroad deepened their understanding of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the concept of an ocean community with a shared future. They fully grasped the responsibility and commitment of young people in marine ecological protection and sustainable development.

At the end of the event, Li Wenqing summarized and commented on the roundtable forum, expressing the strong support and approval of the university's Youth League Committee for the activity. He stated that the event provided a platform and opportunity for international and Chinese students to exchange ideas. Through the collision and fusion of thoughts, students could fully feel their profound understanding and unique insights into marine protection and development, showcasing the sense of mission of the younger generation.

Rowing with effort, building dreams of the deep blue, as students of Ocean University of China, let us continue to focus on the blue ocean. Let us vigorously compose a chapter of blue excellence on the road to strengthening the ocean and contribute youthful energy to the sustainable development and deep governance of the oceans.