From June 30 to July 27, 2025, the 3rd Fudan International Summer School on "Global Public Policy" was successfully held at the Handan Campus. Co-organized by the Fudan-LSE Global Public Policy Research Center and the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) at Fudan University, the summer school leveraged Fudan’s strong academic resources in public policy and its outstanding global network to bring together world-class faculty and outstanding students from around the world. Centered on the themes of "Global Public Policy" and "China and the World," the program offered high-quality courses reflecting the latest theoretical and practical developments in global public policy and governance. It provided participants with an exceptional opportunity for specialized learning, aiming to cultivate future leaders in global governance with solid expertise, a broad international perspective, and outstanding cross-cultural communication and leadership skills. Participants included undergraduates from top universities such as Xiamen University, East China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Central University of Finance and Economics, Dalian University of Technology, City University of Hong Kong, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), New York University, University of California, Davis, and the University of Miami, as well as working professionals, graduate students, and high school students.

On June 30th, the opening ceremony for the first session of the summer school took place at the Institute for Global Public Policy. The event was attended by faculty members teaching in the summer program, representatives from the Institute, and participating students. At the ceremony, Dean Jing Yijia warmly welcomed all the teachers and students joining the summer school. He pointed out that as global interdependence continues to deepen, addressing complex global issues urgently requires understanding relevant policies and their compatibility - particularly from the perspective of society as a whole, to promote broad participation from diverse actors. The Institute has always been committed to advancing innovative research, thoroughly examining the root causes of global challenges, while providing young scholars with opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, which was precisely the original purpose of organizing this summer school. He encouraged students to use this learning experience as a starting point to actively engage in critical thinking, expand their global perspectives, enhance their professional competencies, and become a youthful force that connects the world and drives change. The opening ceremony was attended by Professor Bingchun Meng and Professor Alvaro Mendez from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Professor José A. Puppim de Oliveira from FGV University in Brazil, Professor Søren Harnow Klausen from the University of Southern Denmark, Professor Steven Kelman from Harvard University in the U.S., as well as Associate Research Fellow Jiang Ping and Young Associate Research Fellow Li Yunxiong from the Institute. The ceremony was hosted by Ms. Ye Xin from the Institute.

The first session of the summer school offered five courses: "Chinese Media in Global Perspective: Convergence and Conflict," "Global Environmental Governance," "International Development and China," "Ethics and Public Policy," and "Digital Governance in China: Institutions, Policies and Politics." Through intensive lectures, in-depth reflection and discussions, students gained comprehensive understanding of developments and cutting-edge issues in these fields.

 

The second session of the International Summer School commenced on July 14, featuring four specialized courses taught by distinguished scholars: Associate Professor Timothy Hildebrandt from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Professor Daniel Guttman (Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, USA), along with Fudan University's Professor Zheng Yu and Professor Liu Chunrong from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs. The course offerings included "Social Governance and Policy Innovation in Contemporary China", "Global Technology Governance and Public Policy", "Globalization and Development", and "Welfare States in Global and Comparative Perspectives".

In addition to the core curriculum, the summer school organized a series of academic events. Professor Steven Kelman from Harvard Kennedy School delivered a lecture titled "Donald Trump and American Politics," which examined the political strengths and weaknesses of Trump in contemporary American society. The presentation provided an in-depth analysis of how critical factors such as age, gender, and educational attainment influence public support or opposition, with particular focus on Trump's recent criticisms of Harvard University and the relationship between elitism and Trumpist politics. Professor Alvaro Mendez, Director of Global South Studies at LSE and Senior Fellow at LSE IDEAS, presented on "A Decade of Transformation: Assessing AIIB's Role in Global South Development." His lecture traced the evolution of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank since its establishment in 2016, offering a critical evaluation of its balancing act between diverse membership and Chinese leadership, the construction of governance legitimacy, and its approach to shaping infrastructure financing models for developing countries within the emerging global order. Furthermore, Professor Steven Kelman, Professor Alvaro Mendez, Professor Evan Berman from FGV Brazil, and Professor Søren Harnow Klausen from the University of Southern Denmark participated in a "Top Universities Forum." They each presented their institutions' academic strengths, distinctive talent development approaches, and program offerings, while engaging in substantive discussions and addressing student inquiries.

During the summer school, students had the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions with professors, exchanging research insights and practical experiences that provided substantial inspiration and fostered personal growth. The program also thoughtfully arranged weekend itineraries, guiding participants to explore Shanghai's urban landscapes and distinctive culinary culture, where the convergence of diverse cultures became invaluable experiences. Through these shared explorations and cultural immersions, deep friendships blossomed among the participants. 

Student Feedback

Thanawat Thiemkreangkrai from Khon Kaen University, Thailand shared: "At Fudan's IGPP, I made friends with peers from diverse countries and gained substantial knowledge in public governance. This program has been an extraordinary opportunity for me and my fellow Thai participants. We're deeply grateful to both Fudan University and our home institution in Thailand. This is absolutely an experience that will bring you fresh perspectives!"

Kritayot Wana, also from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, expressed: "I came here to gain expertise in global public policy, equipping myself to formulate policies that can genuinely enhance people's quality of life."

Wei Zijie, an undergraduate from Fudan University Law School, shared: "Professor Meng's course 'Media and Conflict' has significantly broadened my perspectives in media studies and prompted profound reflections on a range of academic issues. The continuous critical thinking exercises and classroom discussions throughout the learning process have helped me progressively enhance my public speaking and communication skills. More importantly, the course has taught me how to construct arguments rigorously, constantly challenging me to examine the interplay between law and media. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this course—I'm confident it will add substantial value to both your academic and professional capabilities."

Xu Ruohan, another Fudan University student, reflected: "Professor Mendez's course provided an exhilarating intellectual journey as we connected rapidly evolving environmental factors with China's national development. True to the professor's teaching philosophy, it helped us 'connect the dots across contexts.' Before this course, I perceived international relations as operating in isolated silos; now I understand how developments in the Middle East can create ripple effects across nations thousands of miles away."

Yang Min, a Singapore-based correspondent for Caixin Media, shared: "I'm currently at a career transition point. I selected two courses—'Chinese Media and Global Issues' and 'International Development and China'—which proved immensely valuable during this intensive two-week summer program. They've genuinely helped me lay a solid foundation for future research. I'm profoundly grateful for this opportunity!"

These diverse voices not only demonstrate the summer school's achievements in curriculum design, faculty composition, and cross-cultural exchange, but more importantly, highlight its core value as a "platform for cultivating global governance talent." By connecting young minds worldwide with cutting-edge knowledge, it facilitates the convergence and integration of multiple perspectives, fostering more inclusive thinking and action to address complex global challenges.

 

Source: Fudan University