More Than a Meeting
The 2008 Confucius Institute Conference gives representatives new perspectives of the Confucius Institute

“We shall make effort to operate each and every institute to its very finest and to teach each and every student to their very best. We strive to open one and succeed in one.” Mdm. Liu Yandong, State Councilor and Chairwoman of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, expressed her sincere wishes for Confucius Institutes worldwide at the 2008 Confucius Institute Conference, confirming the achievements of Confucius Institute in the past few years and proposing the requirements for its future development.

On 9th December, the 2008 Confucius Institute Conference opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. More than 1,000 people, including university presidents and directors of Confucius Institutes from 78 countries and regions as well as their Chinese colleagues gathered together to explore the future development of Confucius Institutes through extensive and in-depth discussions.

It is time to start a new chapter in Chinese language and culture promotion. The keynote speech made by Mdm. Liu is far-sighted and pragmatic. She confirmed the outstanding achievements made by the Confucius Institute in the past four years and raised a series of new ideas and suggestions for further development. Mr. Zhou Ji, Minister of Education and Vice-Chairman of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, delivered the 2008 Confucius Institute work report, which systematically summarized the work of Confucius Institutes in the past year, pointed out the direction of Confucius Institute and gave suggestions for future practices.

This was a grand meeting where information and ideas on Chinese language and culture promotion were exchanged. At the Exhibition of Confucius Institutes and International Chinese Teaching Resources Exhibition, delegates shared the featured teaching and cultural activities in their Confucius Institutes. At the President’s Forum and Director’s Forum, presidents and directors made every minute and second count when expressing their perspectives on the historical mission of Confucius Institute in an era of globalization and its positive influence in promoting multi-culturalism in the world. During panel discussions, extensive exchanges helped delegates raise constructive suggestions, promoted mutual learning and cooperation and got everyone to work toward the common goal of sustainable development for Confucius Institute.