As the new academic year began, Fudan University welcomed a new cohort of students from around the world. On September 2, 2026, the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) held its 2026 Opening Ceremony at Guanghua Tower, bringing together 70 new students from across the globe as they officially began a new chapter of their academic journey at Fudan. Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Massimo Bray, former Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Director General of the Treccani Institute, and Honorary Professor of Fudan University; Francesco D’Arelli, former Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Shanghai; Davide Bellomo, an Italian Member of Parliament; Marta Leonori, Head of the Management Division of the Treccani Institute; and Wei He, Interpreter and Consultant for Treccani in China. Before the ceremony began, the hall resonated with the elegant melodies of The Four Seasons by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. The changing seasons symbolized the beginning of a new academic year while adding a distinctive cultural touch to the occasion. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Tingzhong Huang, Postdoctoral Fellow at IGPP.

Following the opening remarks, the ceremony officially began with a warm welcome to the new students arriving at Fudan from around the world. IGPP expressed its hope that they would build new connections, explore new knowledge, and embark on meaningful academic and personal journeys during their time at the Institute. Associate Dean Haoqi Qian of IGPP and Associate Professor Weizhan Meng of the Institute for Advanced Social Sciences delivered remarks as faculty representatives. Drawing on emerging developments in global public policy and governance, the two professors encouraged students to pay close attention to governance challenges arising from technological transformation, environmental and climate change, and other emerging issues. They also encouraged students to remain open-minded and reflective in IGPP’s multidisciplinary and multicultural learning environment, engage actively with real-world public problems, and embrace the responsibilities of their generation in global governance.

Alumni from different IGPP programs also crossed geographical boundaries through video messages to extend a special welcome and their best wishes to the new students. Mostafa Hesham, an international alumnus now working at the League of Arab States, and Haoning Luo, a domestic alumnus working at Deutsche Bank, shared reflections on their experiences of learning and growing at IGPP. They encouraged the new students to cherish the opportunities for learning and exchange at Fudan while actively exploring their own academic and personal paths.

Two student representatives then shared their expectations for their new lives at Fudan. Chidsanupong Lertlumvittayanont from Thailand and Ernan Kang took the stage in turn. Drawing on their diverse educational and personal experiences, they expressed their excitement about joining Fudan and IGPP and shared their aspirations for the years ahead. Their different backgrounds and shared enthusiasm offered a vivid reflection of the new cohort’s diversity and global outlook.

The ceremony then welcomed a distinguished guest speaker as part of IGPP’s Global Leadership Series. Dean Yijia Jing of IGPP chaired a keynote lecture delivered by Fudan Honorary Professor Massimo Bray on the theme “Culture: A Living Experience.” Professor Bray discussed the role of cultural diplomacy in global governance, emphasizing that cultural exchange can promote international understanding and mutual learning among civilizations. He noted that such exchange plays an important role in building trust, advancing peace, and fostering long-term cooperation. Drawing on recent developments in European cultural policy and his extensive experience in China–Italy cultural exchange, Professor Bray highlighted cooperation between China and Italy in areas including cultural heritage preservation, museum exhibitions, and academic publishing. He expressed his hope that the two countries would further deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote mutual understanding among different civilizations through respect, dialogue, and cooperation. Following the lecture, Professor Bray engaged in an interactive discussion with students in attendance, responding to their questions and sharing further insights from his experience.

Address by Professor Massimo Bray

Following the lecture, Dean Jing presented a gift to Professor Bray as a gesture of welcome and friendship. The presentation also reflected IGPP’s continuing commitment to advancing international academic exchange and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding across cultural and academic communities.

Dean Jing Yijia presents a gift to Professor Massimo Bray

Group photo of the Italian delegation and faculty members of IGPP

Dean Jing then delivered the Dean’s Address, beginning by extending a warm welcome to the 2026 cohort of new students from around the world. He noted that this year marks the eighth academic year since IGPP opened its doors. In Chinese culture, the number eight symbolizes good fortune and success, and he expressed his hope that the new students would embark on a smooth, fulfilling, and rewarding academic journey at Fudan.

Dean Jing reviewed IGPP’s development since its establishment in 2018. He noted that, in the face of increasingly complex global challenges, the importance of global public policy research and education has become ever more evident. IGPP is committed to extending the study and teaching of public policy beyond the local and national levels to the global level. Through research on global public policy and governance practices, the Institute seeks to contribute to improving the global order, advancing equity and justice, and promoting human well-being. Addressing the new cohort, Dean Jing offered three aspirations: Global Scholarship, Global Citizenship, and Global Leadership. He encouraged students to become global scholars with strong academic foundations, responsible global citizens, and forward-looking global leaders. He hoped they would develop a deep understanding of how the world works while maintaining conviction and resilience, and work tirelessly toward a shared future and greater well-being for humanity.

Address by Dean Jing Yijia

Three “Lucky Moment” prize draws added a lively atmosphere to the ceremony. Assistant Professor Xin Ye and Associate Professor Meijun Liu drew names and presented Fudan teddy bears to the new students. For the final draw, Professor Bray served as a special guest and selected the grand-prize winner, offering the students their first good-luck gift from Fudan. The winning students also took the opportunity to introduce their educational and personal backgrounds and share their expectations for joining IGPP. Amid excitement and laughter, the activity provided an opportunity for students and faculty to get to know one another and strengthened connections among the new cohort.

Group photo of the lucky draw guests and students

At the conclusion of the ceremony, faculty and students stood together to sing the Fudan University Anthem. As the music and voices filled the hall, the 2026 Opening Ceremony of IGPP came to a successful close.

Group photo of all guests, faculty, and students

Before and after the opening ceremony, IGPP also organized a series of welcome activities, including student registration, program orientation sessions, and campus tours. These activities helped new students from different countries and regions learn more about Fudan and become familiar with IGPP, enabling them to integrate more quickly into their new academic and campus environment.

New students attending the Fudan University 2026 freshman opening ceremony