On September 27th, 2024, the Confucius Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute. At the joint initiative of 392 Chinese and local directors, every single day in 2024 has been designated as “Confucius Institute Day.” From the start of the new year, Confucius Institutes around the world have carried out a variety of vibrant celebrations under the theme “At 20th, the Confucius Institute Is in Its Prime,” reaching the peak on September 27th.
In Beijing, the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF) hosted a grand event to mark the Global “Confucius Institute Day.” Over 500 guests attended, including Yang Wei, President of CIEF and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; David Teaabo, Ambassador of Kiribati to China; Michael Campbell, Ambassador of Nicaragua to China; representatives of the Chinese government, diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international language promotion organizations, directors of Confucius Institutes, representatives from Chinese and local host institutions, experts, and representatives from partner enterprises.
Following a lively and youthful opening performance, Jasmine Youth, by the Central Conservatory of Music, Duan Peng, Vice President of CIEF and President of Beijing Language and Culture University, delivered the welcome address. He noted that behind the achievements of the Confucius Institutes are countless dedicated CIers, the unsung heroes who have worked hard in their posts, actively assuming their duties and taking on their responsibilities, and devoted their youth, talents, and even their lives to the cause of CI. Reflecting on the journey and listening to their stories allow us to remain true to our original aspiration, rekindle the passion of pursuing the cause, plant the seeds of promoting cultural exchange and international understanding in the hearts of more and more people, and illuminate the path for the the next 20 years of the development of the Confucius Institute.
Ambassador Michael Campbell stated that wherever he goes in China, the warm hospitality of the people makes him feel at home, which is an epitome of the long-standing influence of Confucian values. Valuing education is also a discernable feature of Chinese culture. The Confucius Institute, which embodies the spirit of Chinese culture, not only shares China’s rich cultural heritage but also contributes to the development of a more just and equitable world.. He expressed hope that the newly established Confucius Institute at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua would become a vibrant hub for Chinese language learning and cultural exchange, and a symbol of the friendship between Nicaragua and China.
Varga Bonita, whose Chinese name is Hu Lingyue, is a Hungarian student at Capital Normal University. She shared her deep fascination with the unique charm of Chinese culture she experienced while studying at the Hungarian-Chinese Bilingual School’s Confucius Institute in Hungary. In July 2023, she received the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, and from the Confucius Institute, she came to study International Chinese Education as an undergraduate at Capital Normal University. She aspires to become a humanistic ambassador for Chinese-Hungarian friendship, promoting Chinese language and culture, so that more people can use Chinese as a “key” to unlock the door to understanding China.
Yu Yunfeng, Director-General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), extended heartfelt festive greetings to teachers and students of Confucius Institutes worldwide on behalf of CLEC. He stated that the Chinese government has always placed great importance on and strongly supported the development of Confucius Institutes and international Chinese education. CLEC is willing to work with international Chinese education institutions and partners, including the Confucius Institute, to continually strengthen the development of the discipline system, teacher training, and education resource system, promote standardization, innovation, enhance the practical value of Chinese language, and provide better and more convenient services for people around the world to learn Chinese and understand China.
Yang Wei, President of CIEF, warmly welcomed the Chinese and foreign guests and extended his sincere greetings and utmost respect to CIers worldwide. He said that over the past 20 years, the Confucius Institutes have provided high-quality Chinese education on the basis of language, promoted mutual learning among diverse civilizations through cultural exchange, and deepened understanding and trust between Chinese people and the international community. In the future, the Confucius Institute will continue to adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to achieve sustainable development; maintain a focus on quality to achieve substantive growth; and foster mutual exchanges to enhance international understanding and inclusiveness. He called on all sectors of society to work together to write the next exciting chapter for the future 20 years of the Confucius Institute.
The fourth CI Moments Global Short Video Collection Event received strong support from the China Education Publishing & Media Group. Chairman Feng Yunsheng attended the event to present awards to the winners of the event. With 784 works from 192 Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) and related institutions across 91 countries, these creations lit up the event like shining stars, setting new records for both quantity and quality. A total of 148 videos stood out and won awards, of these, 3 received the Grand Prize, 15 earned the First Prize, 30 won the Second Prize, and 100 were awarded the Third Prize. Twenty individuals were honored with the title of “CI Talent” for their exceptional creativity and performance, while 35 institutions received the Excellent Organization Award.
Since 2021, CIEF has established the Medal for Long Service as a Confucius Institute Director to honor Chinese and local directors who have served for over 10 years and are highly recognized by both of their Chinese and local host institutions. These individuals, through their experience, wisdom, and talents, have continuously improved the management of Confucius Institutes, becoming pillars of their development. On this special occasion of the 20th anniversary of the CI brand, 33 more directors were awarded this prestigious medal, bringing the number of awardees to 159 over the past four years.
This year, the CI family welcomed new members with the establishment of CIs in ten countries: Belarus, Russia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Spain, Hungary, and Indonesia. These new partners share CI’s values, and uphold mutual respect and understanding, aiming to achieve win-win cooperation through this transnational education partnership. Like seeds of hope, they inject fresh vitality into the growing forest of Confucius Institutes.
At the close of the event, Zhao Lingshan, Vice President and Secretary-General of CIEF, reflected on the 20-year journey of the CI brand. From its inception, in response to the growing international engagement and the surging demand for Chinese language learning, to its blossoming and flourishing with over 1,000 institutions across more than 100 countries and regions, and to the establishment of CIEF to conduct operations as a non-profit brand—the past 20 years have been a remarkable journey of tremendous achievements. The Confucius Institute has become an important symbol of people-to-people connection and the progress of human civilization and world peace. The Confucius Institute belongs not only to China, but also to the world. The glory belongs to every CIer across the world!
Amidst the warm singing of a group of 20-year-olds, the celebration came to a gentle close. The Confucius Institute, in its prime, stands at a new starting point, and is about to step into the next 20 years of its journey. “He who travels alone may go fast, but he who travels in company goes far.” Let us join hands to embark on this journey, and write a new chapter of harmonious development for the world’s diverse cultures!
