Since the founding of the Confucius Institute (CI) 18 years ago, it has enjoyed strong support from partners among all walks of life both at home and abroad through the joint efforts of CI members. It has developed into a renowned international language education institute and a leading brand of international Chinese language education. It has also become popular among Chinese language learners overseas. As Confucius said, “Virtue is not left to stand alone.” CI adheres to language as the basis for achieving cultural integration, with students at the core. As a companion for people around the world, CI spreads Chinese language and culture, and it conveys friendship and peace between different countries. It has become a good friend and companion for a great number of students, the communities it serves, and the partners it cooperates with. Moreover, it has played a key role in promoting educational cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between China and the rest of the world.

The first Confucius Institute Day was held on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the institute on September 27, 2014. Since then, Confucius Institute Day has become the most important festival for CI members and partners around the world. On this day every year, Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms around the world open their doors and hold activities to allow their students and people from the communities, cities, and even countries they are located in to experience the charm of the Chinese language and the splendor of Chinese culture. They spread the seeds of harmony by offering opportunities for people to make new friends and reunite with old ones.

Confucius Institute Day 2022 is fast approaching. To that end, it is the goal of the Chinese International Education Foundation that all Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms worldwide promote the 2022 Global Confucius Institute Day theme: “Confucius Institute—A Good Friend in Your Life” in combination with their own celebrations. They are encouraged to invite CI alumni, teachers, students, community residents, and partners to visit their local CI, or they can go into their communities and pay a visit to their partners and friends to discuss development plans in the form of cultural exchanges, performances, forums, and exhibitions. In this manner, they will not only demonstrate CI’s image as an open, inclusive, dynamic, and trustworthy partner, but they will also convey the concept of cooperation featured by “greater success through combined advantages of individuals and harmony in diversity,” which will undoubtedly help CI grow as a partner for more people!

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional festival in China, is just a few days away. We wish all friends of CI worldwide and their family members a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! We are looking forward to a wonderful festival, as well as a splendid Confucius Institute Day!

Chinese International Education Foundation

August 31, 2022