The inauguration ceremony of the Nepal Field Station of the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS), Tsinghua University on October 1, 2024, and the academic symposium titled "Social Development and Sustainability of the Global South from the Perspective of New Developmentalism" was held at Kathmandu University (Dhulikhel Campus). The Nepal Field Station, jointly established by the IIAS of Tsinghua University and Kathmandu University, aims to serve as a crucial platform for promoting transnational academic exchange and cooperation, as well as exploring the future development of regional and country-specific studies.
Assistant Researcher at the IIAS Dr. Lei Dingkun coordinated the event. Professor Bhola Thapa, Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University, delivered the welcome address. In his speech, Professor Thapa reviewed the cooperation between China and Nepal in the field of South Asian studies and warmly welcomed all experts and scholars, expressing hopes for further collaboration between the two countries in the future to promote the development of this field. Professor Jiang Jingkui, Dean of the IIAS and a renowned scholar in South Asian studies, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the long-standing friendly cooperation between China and South Asian countries and expressed his hope that the establishment of the Nepal Field Station would further enhance bilateral cooperation and foster joint development. Dean Jiang Jingkui and Vice-Chancellor Bhola Thapa jointly unveiled the plaque for the Nepal Field Station of the IIAS, and all attendees gathered for a group photo.
Group Photo from the Inauguration Ceremony of the Nepal Field Station
Professor Bhola Thapa delivers a speech
Professor Jiang Jingkui delivers a speech
At the academic symposium on "Social Development and Sustainability of the Global South from the Perspective of New Developmentalism," over ten experts and scholars from China, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka gathered to discuss the concept of "New Developmentalism" and its significance for South Asian and Global South countries. Professor Zhu Xufeng, Dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, detailed the transfer of Singapore's land development policies to China. Senior Research Fellow Binay Kumar Kushiyait from the Centre for Nepal Studies at Kathmandu University outlined the challenges facing Nepal's education system. Professor Wang Yongzhong from the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences analyzed China's role in the global economic system and discussed the lessons of China's reform and opening-up for the modernization of Global South countries. Professor Uddhab Pyakurel, Vice-Dean of the School of Arts at Kathmandu University, emphasized the importance of Nepal's forest and agricultural systems in its modernization process and called for attention to the needs and rights of grassroots communities. Catherine Owen, Professor of the IIAS and Associate Professor at the University of Exeter, explored New Developmentalism's profound impact on people's lives, analyzing the key role of street politics and ethnicity. Janardan Lamichhane, Dean of the School of Science at Kathmandu University, focused on the modernization of Nepal's agricultural economy, recommending the use of Nepal's unique geographical and natural resources to advance research on herbs and microbiology. Professor Li Xiguang from the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University discussed the Belt and Road Initiative and its goals for the Himalayan Economic Belt, particularly in relation to road construction between China and Nepal. This was followed by a lively discussion among the participants on topics including Nepal's education system, China-Nepal cooperation, and social development.
Conference in processing
At the conclusion of the symposium, Professor Tim Niblock, Director of the Global Issues Research Centre at the IIAS and Emeritus Professor at the University of Exeter, provided a summary and commentary on the keynote speeches and discussions. Professor Niblock highly praised the significance of the academic exchange, noting that the research presented collectively outlines the practice of New Developmentalism in South Asia and Global South countries. He expressed gratitude to all participants and highlighted that the Nepal Field Station offers an excellent platform for scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in meaningful exchange and collaboration. With these vibrant discussions, the inauguration ceremony and academic symposium of the Nepal Field Station of the IIAS came to a successful conclusion.
Professor Tim Niblock delivers the concluding remarks
The Nepal Field Station, established in January 2024 through a collaboration between the IIAS and the School of Arts at Kathmandu University, is dedicated to exploring the future directions and pathways for regional and country-specific studies. It aims to provide a significant platform for academic exchange and cooperation, facilitating discussions on development issues in South Asia and the broader Global South.
Contributed by: Wu Jiahao
Reviewed by: Liu Bei
