Wang Hong, Chinese president of CEIBS, delivers a welcome speech at the forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) has played host to the Europe Forum 2024, a gathering of influential figures from the political, diplomatic, business, and academic spheres of both China and Europe.
Held on Oct 22 in both Brussels and Shanghai, the forum spotlighted the critical need for forward-thinking, globally conscious business leaders in today’s intricate and ever-changing international landscape.
In collaboration with the EU Chamber of Commerce in China and the EU-China Trade Association, the event revolved around the theme of “Transformative Leadership for Challenging Times: Cultivating China-EU Business Leaders”. Over 200 decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and expert scholars engaged in enlightening discussions on the future economic cooperation prospects between China and Europe.
Professor Wang Hong, Chinese president of CEIBS, set the forum’s tone by emphasizing the twin engines propelling the global economy: disruptive technological advancements and a redefined form of globalization. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshaping business paradigms worldwide through technologies such as artificial intelligence, Wang stressed the urgency of fostering an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global landscape, with China and Europe at the helm of facilitation.
Underlining CEIBS’ unique distinction as the sole business school jointly established by the Chinese government and the European Union, Wang reiterated the institution’s commitment to nurturing leaders with a profound understanding of China and a global outlook. Notably, the school’s EMBA program clinched the top spot in the 2024 Financial Times Global EMBA rankings, marking a significant milestone as the institution celebrates its 30th anniversary.
In her welcome address, Wang expressed hope that “the forum’s stimulating exchanges would invigorate deeper economic ties between China and Europe, offer fresh insights on fostering innovative leadership amid disruptive shifts, and contribute to the development of business leaders adept in cross-cultural management.”
Gwenn Sonck, executive director of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, addresses at the forum in Brussels. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Gwenn Sonck, executive director of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, stressed the indispensable trade and investment relationship between the EU and China, advocating for transformational leadership that embraces adaptability and visionary thinking.
“In challenging times, transformative leaders have the power to turn obstacles into opportunities,” Sonck said. “European and Chinese CEOs must understand each other’s business environments and we encourage businesses to meet in person and exchange in an open and direct dialogue. Such exchanges will help bridge cultural gaps and pave the way for sustainable partnerships.”
Panelists join in discussion on how to enhance cross-cultural leadership in the context of globalization at the forum held simultaneously in Brussels and Shanghai on Oct 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Zhu Jing, charge d’Affaires of China’s mission to the European Union, underscored the pivotal roles of China and the EU in advancing global peace, stability, and mutual development. He called for joint support of free trade, fair competition, and a more inclusive economic globalization, emphasizing the essence of China-EU cooperation rooted in complementarity and mutual benefit.
The forum’s discussions on innovative leadership and cross-cultural collaboration highlighted the essential qualities demanded of successful business leaders navigating today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
Pascal Lamy, former director-general of the World Trade Organization, emphasized the significance of open communication and enhanced understanding among business leaders from China and Europe.
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, the forum concluded with a call to uphold the spirit of openness, cooperation, and pragmatism that has underpinned successful cooperation models between the business communities of China and Europe. The enduring trade and cultural cooperation between the two regions were hailed as not only vital for their populations but also for global peace and stability.
Panelists discuss the key traits for innovative leadership amid disruptive business transformations at the forum held simultaneously in Brussels and Shanghai on Oct 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In a summary encapsulated by the acronym “CARE” — representing choice, commonality, cross-cultural communication and courage; adaptability and agility; responsibility and respect, as well as education and exchange between generations — Dominique Turpin, European president and professor of Marketing at CEIBS, highlighted the forum’s key takeaways.
The CEIBS Europe Forum, initiated in 2012, has served as a crucial platform for fostering bilateral economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and Europe. With a decade-long track record of hosting impactful sessions across European countries, the forum has attracted over 8,000 global participants, including ambassadors, politicians, and business leaders.
“Facilitating cooperation and exchanges between China and Europe has been the inherent mission of CEIBS,” said Wang, the school’s Chinese president. “As a model of successful cooperation between China and the EU, CEIBS will continue to serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between China and Europe, providing a platform for global economic and cultural exchanges and contributing wisdom to the progress of world business civilization.”
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20241023/f48039bad4b84b0c9312fe4162fc581e.html