On 14th September 2023, the Open University of China (OUC) held a summary meeting on thematic education campaign on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
This campaign was aimed at deeply understanding General Secretary Xi Jinping's pivotal instructions on thematic education. It also sought to pass down the spirit of the Central CPC Committee's summary meetings for both the first and second batches of thematic education, as well as the spirit of the MOE's thematic education summary conference. The meeting summarised the OUC's efforts in thematic education and strategized on consolidating and expanding the results of the campaign. Wang Qiming, secretary of the CPC Party Committee and president of the OUC, presented a summary report on the thematic education. The meeting was presided over by Cao Guoyong, executive deputy secretary of the CPC Party Committee and deputy leader of the Thematic Education Leadership Team.
Wang Qiming made a summary report on the OUC thematic education work
Cao Guoyong presided over the meeting
Wang Qiming stated that the OUC Party Committee firmly grasps the overarching mandate of thematic education, which emphasises "studying ideology, strengthening Party spirit, emphasising practice, and creating new achievements." Leveraging the distinctive features of the theoretical learning mechanism — encompassing "learning, retelling, testing, practicing, and supervising" — meticulous planning, precise organisation, and targeted implementation are ensured. This approach catalyses a profound understanding through learning, subsequently leading to the creation of new achievements. The outcomes have been tangible, manifesting in the nurturing of ethos through learning, augmenting wisdom through studies, purifying the ambiance through education, and motivating diligence and effort among individuals through learning.
Wang Qiming emphasised the importance of thorough thematic education, advocating for substantial contributions to elevate the quality of development at the OUC, thus furthering the objective of establishing a leading country in education. First, the emphasis should remain on "embracing ideology and bolstering Party spirit", ensuring that the fruits of learning and ideological insights directly benefit the aspiration of becoming a leading country in education. Second, it is imperative to focus on "emphasising practice and creating new achievements", offering robust support to expedite the evolution of world-class open universities, inclusive of the Seniors University of China (SUC), guided by innovative concepts and paradigms. Third, ongoing efforts to rectify existing issues are essential. Establishing a consistent problem-solving framework will help address pivotal challenges facing both faculty and students amidst university reforms. Lastly, maintaining rigorous Party self-governance remains paramount, with principal responsibilities fully assumed, fostering a political milieu of unblemished integrity within the Party.
Cao Guoyong emphasised that all Party members and cadres of the OUC must view this thematic education as a pivotal juncture. It is vital to meticulously execute the directives and strategies of the CPC Central Committee and the Party organisation of the ministries. There's a pressing need to solidify and expand upon the gains from this thematic education. Enhancing the competency to foster development, particularly high-quality development, is paramount. Similarly, there must be a heightened ability to confront challenges, navigate obstacles, and mitigate risks. All these efforts are crucial in striving towards the dual objectives of establishing a world-class open university and furthering the goal of becoming a leading nation in education.
During the meeting, the "OUC's Thematic Education Work Record" was presented. Leaders of the Party branch committees from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Seniors University of China, the Information Technology Department, and the United Front Work Department delivered speeches.
Members of the OUC's thematic education team, the leadership team, secretaries of secondary-level Party organisations, branch committee members, as well as heads of all departments and directly affiliated enterprises were present at the onsite meeting. Meanwhile, all OUC Party members and teaching staff participated online.
Written by Zhang Xinwa; Photographed by Zhuge Huanyu, OUC