Confucius Institute celebrates 9th birthday

On June 21, 2023, the Confucius Institute at the University of Science and Technology Beijing and De Montfort University (USTB-DMU CI) successfully held the celebration of its 9^th Anniversary at the library of the Confucius Institute.

The event was attended by Mr. Simon Bradbury (Pro-Vice Chancellor International of DMU), Ms. Jill Cowley (Interim Dean of ADH faculty), Dr. Louise Peacock (Chair of CI Management Board), the USTB Executive Delegation led by Professor Wu Guilong (Chancellor of USTB), as well as DMU staff member, some of CI’s friends, important partners, and students. The 9^th Anniversary Celebration was hosted by Professor Gu Wei, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute.

The celebration officially began at 11 am. Professor Gu Wei delivered an opening speech and introduced the present guests. Then, speaking on behalf of DMU, Mr. Simon Bradbury warmly welcomed the guests of USTB, which is a testimony to the deep friendship between the two universities. He also reviewed the development of the Confucius Institute and said that he was deeply impressed by CI’s wonderful cultural activities, such as the Film Festival and the New Year activities. He also expressed his delight to see the resumption of many cultural activities of the Confucius Institute, which brought vitality to campus again. He stressed that the Confucius Institute plays a vital role in demonstrating the cultural diversity of the university and helping Chinese students integrate into campus life.

After Simon’s speech, Professor Wu Guilong delivered a speech on behalf of USTB. He recognized the contribution made by the Confucius Institute to the cultural exchanges between China and the UK and the dissemination of Chinese culture; expressed his heartfelt congratulations on CI’s Ninth Anniversary; and expressed his sincere thanks to all the staff of the two universities who have worked hard for the construction and development of the CI. He also fully recognized the important role played by the CI as a bridge and link in carrying out international cultural exchanges, and hoped to continue to get the full support of DMU and to continue to strengthen the close relationship between the two universities in the future.

After the speeches, the guests watched a video made by the CI teachers, titled "The Ninth Anniversary Celebration of the Confucius Institute", which reviewed the extraordinary development of the CI since its establishment. All the guests were moved by the dedication of the CI staff to the cause of cultural exchanges, and they were proud of the extraordinary achievements made by the CI in the past nine years. After the video, accompanied by the birthday song, Professor Wu, Simon and Professor GU cut the birthday cake together to celebrate CI’s 9th birthday. Afterwards, the CI’s volunteer Mandarin teachers of the CI also gave wonderful performances, such as Ritual dance, Guzheng Solo and Tai Chi Fan. At the end of the celebration, guests took a group photo together, and the event ended in a cheerful and peaceful atmosphere.