On the morning of July 18, 2024, the closing ceremony of the 2024 Shanghai International Organization Youth Talent Summer Camp—lasting three and a half days—was held at Shicheng Lecture Hall of the UNESCO Teacher Education Centre (TEC). Professor Hu Guoyong, Deputy Director of TEC and Dean of the Institute of International and Comparative Education, Shanghai Normal University; Professor Wang Jie, Vice Dean of the Institute of International and Comparative Education, Shanghai Normal University; Associate Professor Yan Wenle, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Comparative Education; Associate Professor Bian Cui, TEC’s liaison officer with UNESCO; and Ye Jian and Yang Gefu, young interns at international organizations, were invited to participate in the group research presentation and evaluation.
First, six groups of the summer camp gave wonderful presentations around the theme My Portrait of the International STEM Education Research Institute, followed by comments from the six experts.
Next, Du Xiaohan from Tongji University performed a cello solo Concert Polonaise, and Gao Jiaxuan from Shanghai University of International Business and Economics sang Born to be Alive, bringing joy and laughter to the closing ceremony.
Subsequently, after evaluation by experts from the summer camp organizing committee, Group 5 was awarded the Best Group of this summer camp, and Li Zixi, Xiang Macheng, and Du Jiangyuan won the title of Best Campers. Professor Hu Guoyong and Professor Wang Jie presented certificates of honor to the winning group and individuals. Meanwhile, the organizing committee issued completion certificates to all campers.
After the certificate presentation, award representatives Chen Lulu, Li Zixi, Xiang Macheng, and Du Jiangyuan delivered acceptance speeches. Chen Lulu expressed gratitude to all teachers and classmates, stating that without everyone’s earnest participation, dedication, and contributions, there would be no such wonderful summer camp experience or group communication experience. Li Zixi believed that the greatest gain from this summer camp was to adhere to ideals, strengthen convictions, and believe in oneself. She noted that every young student should cherish a sense of national belonging, have a clear plan for future development, stay committed to their goals, always believe in their abilities while pursuing dreams, and contribute to the country and the world. Xiang Macheng thanked every guest, classmate, and staff member of the summer camp, emphasizing that their joint efforts and participation had built a high-standard, high-quality, and efficient communication platform for international organizations, showing and endowing them with more possibilities for the future. He added that the experts’ earnest expectations had inspired him to keep learning, strive to develop global competence, and become an international talent with a global mindset and a spirit of practical work. Du Jiangyuan stated that through attending lectures and on-site visits, she had gained a deeper understanding of the key role of international organizations in global governance and their potential influence in building more harmonious international relations.
Finally, Feng Yuan, a student companion at the camp, delivered a speech on behalf of all volunteers. She introduced the entire process of planning, preparation, and execution by the camp’s secretariat and student companions, and combined her own experience of interning in a non-governmental organization to encourage campers to dare to try and actively apply for positions in international organizations.
In closing, Professor Hu Guoyong delivered a closing speech, highly affirming the successful holding of the summer camp, praising the students’ excellent performance in the presentation session, and expressing earnest expectations for young students to engage in international organizations in the future. Associate Professor Song Jia thanked the summer camp organizing committee, secretariat, all experts, campers, student companions, volunteers, and staff, and encouraged young students to remain true to their original aspirations, pursue their dreams bravely, and work together to build a better world in the future.
Colorful Memories: Unforgettable Moments of the Summer Camp
Blue, the iconic color of the United Nations, symbolizes dreams. During the camp, students from universities at home and abroad listened carefully to expert lectures, conducted group research, and continuously clarified and strengthened their determination to work and intern in international organizations.
White, the color of youth, represents exploration of the unknown future. During the camp, campers spoke actively, thought critically, and were eager to explore, forging deep friendships.
Red, the color of passion, embodies the courage to take on youth’s mission. During the camp, a joint Party-building activity was held around the theme High-level Opening-up of Education and the Mission of Chinese Youth in the New Era. More than 20 Party members at the camp spoke freely, strengthening their sense of mission as youth in the new era.
Orange, the color of innovation, stands for unity, collaboration, and the display of wisdom. During the camp, students held daily group discussions on the research theme, divided tasks and collaborated, creating wonderful creative logs and presentation displays.
Green, the color of hope, signifies youthful vitality and upward momentum. Through this summer camp, students expressed their determination to continue learning, hone their skills, and prepare for work in international organizations.
