Drawing inspiration from the ancient Silk Road and prioritizing connectivity, the Belt and Road Initiative seeks to enhance policy coordination, infrastructure linkage, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and deepen people-to-people relationships with partner countries.
It has provided a fresh boost to the global economy, paved the way for new developmental horizons, and established a novel platform for international economic collaboration. This year marks the 10th anniversary since General Secretary Xi Jinping introduced the Belt and Road Initiative, inviting collective contributions to its vision. Over the past decade, the Open University of China (OUC) has consistently deepened its partnerships with open education institutions in the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (also known as participating countries). This collaboration has seen a surge in scholar visits, student exchanges, joint research, and the development of overseas learning centres. The Silk Road of Intelligence, rich with languages, cultures, and technologies, transcends time, space, and linguistic barriers, serving as a vibrant connector linking OUC to the global community.
To further the advancement of the Belt and Road education initiative, the OUC proposed the creation of the Belt and Road Open Education Development Alliance (referred to as "the Alliance") at the 1st World Open University Presidents Forum convened on 17th February 2023. This Alliance aims to unite open universities, online education institutions, and insightful individuals under a banner of cooperation. It's founded on the principles of voluntariness, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win collaboration.
The Alliance's mission is to cultivate deep, practical, and inclusive high-quality partnerships. These partnerships will assist participating countries in addressing the challenges presented by the digital age in open education. Additionally, they will work towards enhancing educational quality, promoting shared growth, and ensuring prosperity.
To date, several of our partners have expressed interest, and active preparatory work is underway to bring the Alliance to fruition.
On the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the OUC has put forth the establishment of the Alliance. This move is pivotal in bolstering the Belt and Road development. Our goal is to reinforce a collaborative approach to open education, underpinned by mutual learning, inclusiveness, and connectivity among participating countries. We are committed to elevating international collaboration and exchanges in open education, aiming for broader, higher, and more impactful advancements. This will ensure that open education thrives on a grander scale, encompasses more areas, and yields superior outcomes for all involved nations.
By Chen Na, OUC