Nanjing University officiallt launched “Forging Ahead Initiative” at Xianlin on Feb. 14. Tan Tieniu, Secretary of the CPC NJU Committee and Academician of the CAS, and Lyu Jian, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. The meeting was presided by Tan Zhemin, Executive Vice President of NJU and Academician of the CAS.

Tan Tieniu introduced the content and spirit of the Twelfth Plenary Session of the 15th CPC NJU Committee, explained what we will do in “Forging Ahead Initiative”, and made work arrangements for the new semester.

Tan Tieniu set three requirements for the realization of the “Unique NJU” in his speech.

First, we should effectively study and implement the content and spirit of the Twelfth Plenary Session of the 15th CPC NJU Committee as it has summarized NJU’s major achievements, clarified the historical background and conditions for further development, designed a three-step development strategy with phased goals, set up five essential principles in the realization of the “Unique NJU” , and made main work arrangements for the near future. The CPC NJU Committee would carry out ten major tasks in 2023. Tan expected that the party organizations of all levels, colleges and departments would thoroughly study and understand the content and spirit of the Session and implement it effectively.

Second, we should make sure the implementation of expectations of “Forging Ahead Initiative” is carried out with practical moves. It is a major far-sighted strategy based on the current situation of NJU, vital to its future and everyone’s interest. Tan stressed that we all should deeply understand the significance of the activity and its general expectations, and successfully carry it out.

Third, we should uphold fully the CPC leadership and follow its instructions firmly. It is vital to lay emphasis on strengthening the party politically, developing socialist ideology, improving work quality of party organizations, constructing a broad united front to forge great unity and solidarity, organizing effectively work of mass organizations, and tightening up the internal management of the party.

Lyu Jian delivered a speech and made arrangements for administration work this term. He pointed out that the history of Nanjing University epitomizes the development of higher education in modern China, and the University always puts focus on the combination of student cultivation, university education and the era. NJU never forgets its original aspiration as a university, and always follows the trend of the changing times. In order to find the right course of development with the characteristics of NJU, it is imperative to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, to take steady steps, and to plan things as a whole.

Lyu Jian in his speech stressed that it is essential to plan the transformation of China’s higher education from a global perspective. NJU should explore how to build innovatively a world-class university with Chinese characteristics. He pointed out that in 2022, the University fulfilled ten important tasks under the leadership of CPC NJU Committee. Since 2023 is the beginning of the full implementation of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, and that of General-secretary Xi Jinping’s important reply to NJU’s young returned scholars, we should increase our own capabilities in all aspects, and promote the construction of disciplines and organizations, cultivation of talents, and administration of the University. It is imperative for NJU to work with all efforts to make contribution to the great cause of making China a strong country in education, talents, science and technology and culture, and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Yang Zhong, Executive Vice Secretary of CPC NJU Committee, delivered an explanatory speech on the implementation plan for the Forging Ahead Initiative, covering its background, formation and general requirements. He said the “Forging Ahead Initiative” is a major strategy to improve NJU with endeavor and innovation, carefully planned with the problem-oriented, goal-oriented, and effect-oriented principle, deserving a wide participation and support. It reflects the collective wisdom and strength of everyone in NJU, and serves as the guide for NJU’s development in the next stage. The CPC NJU Committee has established a special work team for the “Forging Ahead Initiative”. The activity will be incorporated into NJU’s yearly development plan. Organizations of all levels should attach great importance to it and ensure the successful carrying out of it.

The meeting presented the “2022 Award for Major Contribution.” Tan Zhemin announced the University decision on the award. “NJU Award for Major Contribution to Discipline Construction” goes to the School of Liberal Arts, Business School, School of Foreign Studies, School of Information Management, School of Physics, School of Astronomy & Space Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Department of Computer Science, School of Environment, School of Earth Science and Engineerings and Engineering, School of Geography and Ocean Science, and School of Atmospheric Sciences; “NJU Award for Major Contribution to Scientific Research” to the team led by Prof. Tan Hairen; “NJU Award for Major Contribution to Science Platform Construction” to School of Electronic Science and Engineering; “NJU Award for Major Contribution to Administration” to the Office of Discipline Construction and Development Planning and the Office of Infrastructure. Tan Tieniu and Lyu Jian presented the awards to the winners.

Prof. Tan Hairen from College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; He Ning, Dean of School of Foreign Studies;  Zhu Chengjian, Secretary of CPC Committee of School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Jin Biaobing, Dean of School of Electronic Science and Engineering and Lin Bin, Director of the Office of Infrastructure, delivered speeches on behalf on their institutes and offices respectively.

Translator:  Zhang Jiawen

Editors: Chen Xing, Xu Qida