By Xiao Wu, iChongqing news

Chongqing - A generation of young people with practical knowledge of international relations and circumstances can work better on delivering peace and development to the future world. As the only foreign language university in southwest China, Sichuan International Studies University takes the responsibility to develop the awareness of international relations among generations of students.

On Oct. 19, the opening ceremony of the First National Intercollegiate Model BRICS Conference, launched by SISU, kicked off in the campus. The 3-day conference has brought together teams from 14 universities from all over China to participate. The Model BRICS Conference is a miniature of the BRICS Summit. The topics were closely related to the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brasília. The conference involved sessions as follows: BRICS Summit, Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, Ministerial Meeting, BRICS Business Forum, Main Press Center, and Internal Meeting.

The group photo for the participants for the First National Intercollegiate Model BRICS Conference. Photo provided by SISU.

“BRICS has a strong regional presence and gradually absorbs more third world countries to join. It is developing into a large international economic organization,” said Mr. Li Keyong, president of SISU. He introduced the background of the Model Conference during the opening speech. “In recent years, more and more universities have started research into BRICS. SISU also established the Institute of BRICS Studies and our focus is on the people to people exchange. SISU takes the vice chairmanship of China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation."

Mr. Li Keyong, the president of SISU, delivered the opening speech for the First National Intercollegiate Model BRICS Conference. Photo provided by SISU.

After the opening ceremony, Mr. Li shared more details with iChongqing about the significance of the Model BRICS Conference. “This Conference is of great importance," he said. Then he continued, “SISU has almost ten years experience in BRICS research. And with the Model BRICS Conference, we can involve our students in related research and practice. The Conference is an excellent platform to help the students develop their awareness of international relations.”

At the question of where the future of the conference leads, Mr. Li said, “We hope more and more universities and colleges from both home and abroad can actively participate in the Conference and also apply to hold the Conference. We are looking forward that it can reach all BRICS countries and involve students, universities, and colleges of these countries to participate.” According to Mr. Li, SISU’s expertise and experience in conducting BRICS research, participating in similar conferences such as Model United Nations, as well as holding international conferences, develop into its advantages and confidence in maintaining the Conference.

Mr. Li Keyong, the president of SISU, took the interview with iChongqing. Photo by Guo Hui.

Dr. Lian Bo, who led the participating team from Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, told iChongqing about his thoughts on participating in the Model BRICS Conference. “This is a very good occasion for the students to practice what they have learned. They will meet students from other universities and hear about their ideas on similar issues, which could be very different sometimes. It is an eye-opening experience for them.” He continued, “The First National Intercollegiate Model BRICS Conference launched by SISU touches upon BRICS topic, which is very specific and effective. China involves a lot in BRICS. We are familiar with BRICS countries so that the students’ discussion during the conference can be in-depth."

Dr. Lian Bo took the interview with iChongqing. Photo by Guo Hui.

“The Model BRICS Conference helps me to train deep and overall understanding of internal relations and circumstances. And it teaches me to think in a more comprehensive way. For example, taking into account the difference of historical factors, ideology, etc. among countries while I analyze international affairs.” A participating student shared his feelings with iChongqing.

The First National Intercollegiate Model BRICS Conference in SISU. Photo provided by SISU.