Dear All,

The Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) is back for 2024!

If you are passionate about international cooperation and want to make your mark on the important global discussion about China and the world, YGS is one of China’s most competitive and leading forums for emerging leaders to engage on these issues. We invite you to apply and join us as a delegate at YGS 2024!

What is the Yenching Global Symposium?

YGS is the flagship event of the Yenching Academy of Peking University, initiated and organized by the students of the Academy. Since 2016, this three-day, fully-funded conference has brought together esteemed scholars, eminent public figures, and leading professionals from a wide range of fields for discussion on China. Held every spring, the Symposium comprises engaging lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions on a variety of topics surrounding China and the world.  The leaders of today will share their insights with students and young professionals from around the world with a noted passion for China.

Every year, YGS receives thousands of applications, making it a very competitive and selective conference. The Symposium has hosted delegates from over 90 countries and regions and diverse backgrounds in order to foster a truly interdisciplinary and intercultural gathering of rising global leaders.  

YGS 2024 will be the first entirely in-person conference since COVID-19 and will take place on Peking University’s historic campus from April 11-14, 2024.

YGS 2024 Theme: Equilibrium: Our World in Balance

The world today exists in a delicate balance amidst dynamic and ever-changing forces. Climate change poses an existential threat for human society, while providing us an opportunity to think about sustainable and inclusive futures. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence can enhance economic and social development, yet they also pose challenges in the realms of governance and social cohesion. How societies respond to contemporary challenges are dependent largely on local cultural, economic, and political contexts. Finding equilibrium in light of changes in technology, the natural world, and human culture is key to promoting shared prosperity in the 21st century. In light of this, we present to you YGS 2024’s theme: Equilibrium: Our World in Balance.

Equilibrium: Our World in Balance will explore connections and opportunities for cooperation along three dimensions.  These sub-themes will serve as the focus of discussion for each day of the Symposium. They are:

- Technology x Culture

- Nature x Technology

- Culture x Nature

These sub-themes will explore a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence to China’s eco-cities to expression of nature through literature and artwork.

To Apply

● Applications are open starting 1 January, 2024 (00:01, China Standard Time, GMT+8) until 31 January, 2024 (23:59, China Standard Time, GMT+8)

● To apply, visit the official YGS website at https://www.yenchingglobalsymposium.com/ and complete and submit the online application form

● If you have any questions please check the “FAQs” section of the website or contact delegates@yenchingglobalsymposium.com for more information

Application Requirements

● Born after 11 April, 1993

● In your final year of study in your Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field at the time of application or already have a Bachelor’s degree

● Will commit to the entirety of the symposium, 11-14 April 2024

● Proficient in English

● Has never attended any previous Yenching Global Symposiums or Yenching Social Innovation Forums

● Has a strong interest in China

Information Sessions

We will be hosting regional information sessions for YGS 2024. They will be conducted in English (except for the China information session) and will be recorded for your convenience. Recordings will be available for viewing a few days after each session on YGS website. If you would like to attend an information session, please RSVP using this link. Please find the details below. Note that times are expressed in military time (24 hour clock) and in China Standard Time (CST).

China (conducted in Chinese): 13:00 CST 7 January, 2024

North and South America: 03:00 CST 8 January, 2024

Asia (except China) and Australia: 13:00 CST 8 January, 2024

Europe and Africa: 02:00 CST 9 January, 2024

Please follow us on our official WeChat account using the QR code below for more information about the Symposium and feel free to visit our official website to learn more: https://www.yenchingglobalsymposium.com/.

We hereby extend an invitation to the global youth and future leaders to apply and join YGS 2024! Thank you!

Sincerely,

2024 YGS Executive Committee