On April 21, 2021, Professor HAN Wei, Executive Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI led a delegation to visit the National Institute Of International Strategy, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing (the NISS, CASS) . Professor ZHANG Guochun, Council Chairperson of the NISS, along with other experts warmly received the delegation. Both sides exchanged ideas on how to implement their work in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as explored and identified possible areas to collaborate on in the future.

Group Photo (L to R) ZHONG Feiteng, LI Fan, ZHANG Guochun, HAN Wei, WU Zhaoli

The NISS spoke highly of UNESCO-ICHEI's work and expressed strong wishes to jointly carry out work in the region in the future. The NISS pointed out that UNESCO-ICHEI's concentration on the of higher education in the post-pandemic era is very much in line with the current needs of various countries in the Asia-Pacific. Through policy guidance and customized projects, UNESCO-ICHEI has been sharing China's successful experiences and practical cases in moving its higher education forward. This also serves as useful information to support and benefit the development in project countries. Meanwhile, experts at the NISS suggested UNESCO-ICHEI continue to analyze and identify specific demands of different project countries, as well as to promote mutual benefits through multilateral cooperation. It is critical to empower teachers and focus on the process of digital transformation so as to build a sustainable ecosystem. In the future, both sides will explore more cooperation opportunities on devising strategies related to the region, publishing research reports, organizing international conferences, and integrating resource. Together with the help of Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area's internationalized and open platforms, and UNESCO's global leadership and influence, both sides will dedicate to the promotion of "mutual progress and mutual development" spirit.

An Overview of National Institute Of International Strategy, CASS The National Institute of International Strategy, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (NIIS, CASS) is a cross-disciplined, comprehensive and trailblazing think tank in China. It is committed to analyzing major issues and trends in areas such as China's foreign policy, international relations and strategies, and to helping address key challenges through collaborative solutions. Its overall mission includes researches on the world economic, political and social development; global governance mechanism; as well as overall and comprehensive issues with long-term trends in China's international strategy. The NIIS also puts forth scientific, forward-looking and specific ideas and suggestions to various policy-making bodies.