Sustainability and Soft Power on the Agenda as IBSS Welcomes Peking University Delegation

On 22^nd May 2025, the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) welcomed a delegation from the Peking University Sustainability Research Institute. The two parties held in-depth discussions around potential collaboration in areas including urban soft power, sustainable development, macroeconomic policy research, and international co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The meeting was chaired by Professor Eddy Fang, who warmly welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of IBSS’s development, disciplinary strengths, and its core mission spanning research, education, and societal engagement. In response, Professor Xu introduced the establishment, strategic objectives, and recent key achievements of the Peking University Institute for Urban Soft Power, including the 2024 China Urban Cultural Soft Power Index Report, the China Urban Fiscal Capacity Evaluation Report, and research projects on soft power and international collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.

During the open discussion, both sides explored potential collaborative opportunities in areas like joint think tank initiatives, academic research synergy, ESG and sustainable finance projects, and the development of urban evaluation indicator systems. They agreed a shared commitment to strengthen practical collaboration in research and talent development.

Following the meeting, Professor Xu and the delegation toured the IBSS Trading Floor. Dr Jiatao Liu, Director of the IBSS Trading Floor, demonstrated its applications in teaching, research, and industry partnership activities. A live simulation on the London Stock Exchange Group terminal showcased the platform’s advanced fintech capabilities and real-world applications in business education and experiential learning.

This visit marked a significant step in fostering inter-university collaboration, paving the way for deeper and more diverse co-operation between IBSS and the Peking University Sustainability Research Institute. Such partnerships support high-quality regional economic development, and strengthen international academic exchanges.