To further enhance the global alumni network of Belt and Road School (BRS) of Beijing Normal University (BNU), BRS recently held a forum for the 2024 graduates. Djoomart Otorbaev, distinguished professor of BRS, honorary president of BRS alumni association, and former Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech. Faculty and student representatives from BRS participated both online and offline from Beijing and Zhuhai.

Otorbaev emphasized that a university's appeal lies not only in its competitive curriculum and world-class faculty but also in its unique and exceptional alumni network. The graduates of BRS are poised to return to their home countries and become leaders in various fields. The school's global alumni network will serve as a distinctive platform, enabling current students and alumni to connect closely with outstanding graduates from partner countries of the Belt and Road. It will continuously enhance the school's international influence and competitiveness while providing more opportunities for both BRS and individual development.

Vice Dean, Liu Qian, introduce the BRS's progress since its establishment, underscoring the unique mission and responsibility of its graduates and alumni. She hoped that they would contribute significantly to the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Master's Program for Developing Countries, and the school aims to seize this opportunity to promote the establishment of a global alumni network, facilitate resource sharing among alumni and foster international cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative. Zhang Kunling, Party Branch Secretary of BRS, believes that alumni serve as ambassadors of cross-cultural communication and bridges for international dialogue. The establishment of BRS's alumni network carries unique significance in today's world, providing students with a larger platform and broader opportunities as they aspire to become future leaders. Prof. Pompeo Della Posta also stressed that while graduates should take full advantage of the opportunities offered by BRS, they must also reflect on how they can contribute to the friendship between their home countries and China and support the continued development of the school.

Mabel Omurambi from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Nairobi Office in Kenya highlighted the success of the alumni symposiums organized by BRS in Kenya and Ethiopia this March, noting its effectiveness in building strong connections with local senior officials. She suggested establishing regional chapters and dedicated secretariats to better coordinate alumni activities across different regions. Arda Özçağlar from the Turkish Ministry of Trade recommended utilizing international social platforms to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and event coordination. Elias Tegegn Yalew from Ethiopia proposed organizing themed workshops and seminars focused on alumni career development while maintaining information sharing to strengthen connections within the alumni network and enhance competitiveness.

Nineteen international student representatives from BNU Beijing and Zhuhai campuses participated in in-depth discussions with faculty about their learning experiences, employment plans, and more. They offered specific suggestions on how BRS alumni can leverage the advantages of the alumni network to promote resource sharing and contribute to the development of their respective countries, drawing on their national contexts and professional experiences. The meeting was hosted by Zhang Mengyu, Director of Foreign Affairs of BRS.