Tianjin University hosted the inaugural council meeting of its Institute for Global South Studies on Dec 12, marking a significant step in advancing its research initiatives.

Tianjin University established the Institute for Global South Studies in September, in align with China's strategic need for deeper engagement in global governance. It focuses on comprehensive research into Global South countries, aiming to promote a fairer and more inclusive international order while contributing to the development of a shared future for mankind.

The institute spans diverse disciplines, including language, culture, politics, economics, science and technology, and education, emphasizing specialized areas such as Francophone studies, Central Asian studies, East Asian studies and Indo-American studies, positioning itself as an innovative and comprehensive academic institution.

The inaugural council meeting aimed to consolidate the university's research strengths, foster interdisciplinary integration through institutional innovation, and accelerate the production of high-quality academic outcomes. These efforts are designed to enhance academic support for China's collaboration and exchanges with Global South countries.

Ming Dong, vice-president of Tianjin University and director of the Institute for Global South Studies, underscored the significance of the council's establishment. He highlighted it as an innovative, open and inclusive platform for collaboration, characterized by a unique governance structure, including a rotating chairperson mechanism.

He also emphasized the integration of multidisciplinary resources and the focus on deep interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting the university's commitment to addressing global challenges with a sense of responsibility and mission.

During the meeting, participants reviewed and approved the charter of the council of the Institute for Global South Studies, outlining its organizational structure, responsibilities and operational framework.

In addition, attendees engaged in detailed discussions on the institute's development plans, operational mechanisms, resource integration and future strategies. They emphasized the importance of leveraging Tianjin University's disciplinary strengths and resource advantages to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and achieve breakthroughs in Global South research.

The council's establishment represents Tianjin University's commitment to advancing research that supports fruitful international cooperation and the global governance agenda.