On October 19-20, 2024, "Nanjing Forum 2024" was held at Nanjing University (NJU). Co-organized by NJU and Chey Institute for Advanced Studies (CIAS), South Korea, the two-day event centered on the theme "Tradition, Transformation, Creation: Modernization in East Asia." Nearly 200 experts, scholars, and guests from home and abroad gathered to discuss the process of modernization in East Asia. The Forum aims to promote regional cooperation and contribute to the creation of a new form of human civilization.

Zhao Yan, Vice Governor of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, Tan Tieniu, Chair of the University CPC Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Yinxing, University Distinguished Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences attended the opening ceremony. 

Zhao Yan delieved welcome remarks. He emphasized that cultural diversity and mutual learning are vital for development. The Nanjing Forum has become a crucial platform for fostering equal dialogue, exchange, and mutual learning across Asia. It has emerged as a prominent symbol of cultural cooperation in the region. This year's forum is set to further strengthen the foundations for regional economic cooperation. Zhao also highlighted Jiangsu’s commitment to strengthening economic, technological, and cultural exchanges with Asia-Pacific countries. He advocated for openness and inclusiveness, promoting cultural exchanges that transcend divisions and foster mutual learning to contribute to the growth of Asian civilization.

Tan Tieniu, in his welcome remarks, briefly introduced NJU’s long-standing contributions to national progress and global cultural exchange. The "Nanjing Forum 2024" is part of its effort to collaborate with international academia to advance development and foster cultural prosperity in Asia. He underscored the forum’s academic importance in addressing global challenges and accelerating progress in the Asia-Pacific region. Tan encouraged participants to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and work towards common solutions that promote shared growth and lasting peace in the region, contributing to the broader vision of a global community with a shared future.

In a video address, Chey Tae-won, Chairman and CEO of SK HOLDINGS, underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, encouraging East Asia to capitalize on opportunities to spearhead innovation and advance both regional and global economic growth. He also stressed the need for increased collaboration in sectors such as clean energy to tackle the challenges posed by AI development and net-zero ambitions. Chey urged businesses to take on a larger role in the improvement of society and hoped that the Nanjing Forum would spark productive discussions among experts, helping to chart new pathways for a brighter future.

Tan Zhemin hosted the opening ceremony.

Kim Yoo-suk, President of the CIAS, chaired the keynote session.

Hong Yinxing delivered a keynote speech titled "New-quality Productive Forces: Empowering Chinese-style Modernization," where he discussed the uniqueness of Chinese modernization, emphasizing the development of "new quality productivity" tailored to China’s socio-economic context. 

Yu Jianxing,  Professor at Zhejiang Gongshang University, offered his insights on "Chinese Modernization: National Attributes and Global Significance." He provided a thorough analysis of the formation, characteristics, and principal models of Chinese-style modernization. 

Zhao Tingyang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented on "Inviting the Ancients to Be Our Contemporaries: 'Ancients and Moderns' rather than 'Ancients or Moderns'," calling for adapting ancient ideas to modern challenges.

Yang Il-Mo, Professor at the College of Liberal Studies at Seoul National University, addressed "The Variation of Tradition and Modernity in East Asia." He advocate for a blend of Eastern and Western virtues in research and cultural exchanges.

The forum also featured five panel discussions, "Social Policy and Practical Innovation in East Asia from a Comparative Perspective," "Industrial Innovation and ESG Synergistic Development in the Asia-Pacific Region," "AI-driven Digital Transformation in the Asia-Pacific," "Area Studies through an East Asian Lens," and "Confucian Culture and the Modernization Process in East Asia." Scholars and experts participated in in-depth discussions, exploring these themes from various angles.

Chen Yunsong, Vice Chair of Nanjing University CPC Council and Director of the Office of Nanjing University attended the opening ceremony.

Since its inception in 2015, the "Nanjing Forum" has been held six times, bringing together political leaders, prominent scholars, and business and technology experts from around the world. The forum serves as a platform for sharing insights and fostering dialogue, with the goal of promoting academic exchange and contributing to local economic and social development. 

Contributors: Guo Ankang; Yan Xiuqi; He Yiming; Zhu Zining; Liu Shuangyi; Ma Jinge