On August 22, 2024, East China Normal University (ECNU) students demonstrated exceptional intellectual prowess at the 1st International Sustainable Development Debate 2024, hosted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in Bangkok, securing the second runner-up position and a 10,000 Thai Baht prize.

The international academic event, marking the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations, showcased ECNU’s team securing the second runner-up position. Comprising Antu Reneka Ahmed, Nikita Tekwani, and Arina Bezgina, the team competed alongside prestigious institutions in debates addressing critical global challenges. Participants engaged in rigorous discussions on emerging technological and social issues, including artificial intelligence’s impact on employment, educational paradigms, and technological connectivity. The competition not only highlighted academic excellence but also served as a significant platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Professor Dr. Tippawan Lorsuwannarat, NIDA’s rector, emphasized the event’s role in promoting international friendship and cross-cultural dialogue. By creating spaces for intellectual discourse, such initiatives effectively extend China’s soft diplomacy, showcasing the nation’s commitment to global collaboration and cultural understanding.

The debate’s multilateral format underscored the importance of international academic cooperation in addressing sustainable development goals, with ECNU’s participation exemplifying China’s growing intellectual engagement on the global stage.