Symposium with the “Tsinghua Global Competence Overseas Practicum Program – the EU”
“No matter where you come from, we welcome you!”
On the morning of October 10, 2023, the Strassen Municipal Government Office held a symposium with the “Tsinghua Global Competence Overseas Practicum Program – the EU”, discussing on the topics such as the changes in China - Luxembourg relations in recent years, the dissemination of Chinese culture and stories in Luxembourg, and Luxembourg's public services and environmental protection measures. The symposium was attended by Strassen’s Mayor PUNDEL Nico (CSV), Vice Mayor WELTER-GAUL Betty (LSAP), BESTGEN-MARTIN Maryse (Déi Greng) and the first Chinese Councilor candidate Dr. Xianqing Mao (LSAP).
At the beginning of the discussion, the Professor and Associate Dean of School of Journalism and Communication, Zhang Li, introduced the team from Tsinghua University and the purpose of this visit. She said that Tsinghua Global Competence Overseas Practicum Program aims to promote communication between Chinese young students and the world, enhancing their understanding of international relations and affairs. Under the background of the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the European Union and China, this time the course aims to explore the EU-China relations from the perspective of youth, who are the key forces in the society and also play an important role in the development of future bilateral relations.
Then, mayor PUNDEL Nico introduced some basic information, including the election results in Luxembourg, the population and the distribution of political party in Strassen City, especially emphasizing the importance of multilingualism for Luxembourg people. He pointed out that, it is precisely because of its multilingual advantages that Luxembourg is highly favored in the fields of cross-border affairs and international finance. “We don't need a translator, that's why they choose us.”
The members of Tsinghua University Team were curious about “Why cultural diversity is possible here”, Nico explained the principle in our Strassen and the highly inclusive society in Luxembourg on this issue, which means the residents here regardless of skin color, nationality, party affiliation, or political opinion, can participate in local political affairs without distinction between the position.
Besides, the students also interested in the issue about the environmental protection policies in Luxembourg, the specific reasons for Luxembourg's free public transportation policy, the image of China in the eyes of Luxembourg people and what the Chinese youth can do to better promote the dissemination of Chinese stories in Luxembourg. Nico and municipal committee members responded based on the local situation objectively and friendly one by one, and encouraged the Tsinghua students to "truly communicate with Luxembourg and Europe, so that the voice of China can be truly heard.”
Li Mingyue, a master student in the School of Journalism and Communication of Tsinghua University, felt so deeply in her heart in this discussion. “The true stories that happen in China need to be known. As the youth, what we should do is not only to speak up, but also to break down cognitive barriers and promote mutual learning among civilizations.”
“Tsinghua Global Competence Overseas Practicum Program – the EU” is composed of two leading professors and ten outstanding graduate students from the School of Journalism and Communication. The team conducted thematic research in Benelux from October 7th to 15th, having discussions with EU institutions, European think tanks, universities, and Chinese embassies.
