The world in a university

The recently held Peking University 20th International Culture Festival was a spectacular showcase of unity and cross-cultural communication, weaving a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures.

Upon my arrival at the bustling square of Peking University Hall on Oct 21, I immediately found myself immersed in a vibrant atmosphere. Students and alumni from over 100 countries and regions had gathered to celebrate the university's 20th International Culture Festival (ICF), with the theme of "Meeting the World at PKU".

This year's ICF showcased a series of themed events around the campus, including the International Culture Carnival, the Global Youth Forum, and the Top 10 International Students Singing Competition.

Cultural kaleidoscope

The International Culture Carnival, for instance, featured an array of experiences, ranging from card games and language lessons to creative activities. Each booth that had been set up served as a gateway to another culture.

As I wandered around, the sounds of drumbeats from the Ghanaian booth captured my attention. Ghanaian students, dressed in traditional attire, sang, clapped, and danced to the rhythms of their music.

A young man from Ghana, currently a student at PKU's Medical School, shared his story of studying in China for the past four years. "China's impact on the world is gradually growing, so I chose to study here," he said. "I want to return home with the knowledge I've gained in China and work as a doctor."

Continuing to walk through the square, I was invited to join a dance at the Malaysian booth. In no time, I found myself in the midst of a large dance circle, where people from diverse backgrounds celebrated together with energetic movements and joyful laughter.

Beside me were a girl from Inner Mongolia, China, and a girl from Russia who were excited to discover that their hometowns were right next to each other, despite being in different countries.

As I visited each booth, I engaged in conversations with students from different countries, sharing thoughts and experiences on the carnival's vibrant displays.

Daniel, a second-year master's student from Germany who is currently studying at the School of International Studies, expressed his joy in participating in the festival for the first time. He and his friends hosted the German stand, creating warm interactions with passersby and enjoying a spirited game of toy football.

Chen Sandi, an Indonesian sophomore from the School of Chemistry, greeted visitors at her country's booth, introducing them to the country's unique culture and taking photos with them. She was thrilled to promote her homeland's rich heritage.

At the Colombian stall, Alejandro Lora shared his insights into the coffee-making culture of the South American nation.

"Colombia is the world's third-largest coffee producer," he said. "We're exposed to coffee at a very young age."

Wu Xiaojun from Thailand was busy sharing traditional Thai snacks and the ranat ek, a traditional Thai musical instrument. Being of Chinese ethnicity, Wu has a particularly strong connection to the culture of southern China since his ancestors originally came from Chaozhou in Guangdong province.

"If there's one thing the French love, it's feeling loved," said Chrystelle Dejean Servières from the School of Law. She passionately described how the enthusiasm of Chinese people for French culture has deeply touched her.

"Some people even knew all the lyrics to songs from French musicals that we didn't even know! We are so thankful to have been shown so much love from the public. This day could not have felt more special."

Manohar Kumar from India highlighted the festival's role in promoting global understanding, tolerance, acceptance, and harmony. "It is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of cultural exchange," he said.

"It demonstrated that despite our differences, we are all interconnected, woven together in the intricate fabric of humanity."

Voices of tomorrow

After touring the carnival, I joined the PKU Global Youth Forum. Here, I heard young voices from across the globe share their thoughts on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Li Rufei, a Chinese student from the School of Foreign Languages, believes that by reflecting on the past decade, we can work together to create a brighter future. "The vitality of youth can guide us through the occasional setbacks," he emphasized.

Donglona Adawa Thomas, a doctoral student from Chad at the School of International Studies, shared his observations of the BRI in his homeland. "The initiative has provided a platform for all countries to cooperate on an equal basis," he said.

Koen Smeets from the Netherlands, a scholar at the Yenching Academy of PKU, is currently conducting research on the history of US-China diplomatic relations. He believes that understanding history is key to navigating today's complex world.

Li Qiaoqiao and Zhang Jiaqi, both Chinese students, took part in a university trip to Ethiopia last summer. They witnessed the positive changes the BRI has brought to the country. "The BRI is a perfect platform for global youth to contribute their efforts," they said.

Wu Huanqiong from China and Mohan Ismael from Iraq shared insights on international cooperation. "Through the BRI, the dreams of people from different countries have converged into a shared global dream," they said.

H.E. Ian Marshall, Ambassador to China from Grenada and a Peking University alumnus, encouraged today's youth to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate the BRI's pursuit of an "open, inclusive, and interconnected world for common development".

The year 2023 marks the PKU Global Engagement Year. During this year, I have witnessed the school's dedicated efforts to foster global inclusion on campus and promote understanding between Chinese youth and their overseas peers. The grandeur of the ICF not only aptly marked its 20th anniversary but also reflected the growing international student population at the university.

I hope that PKU's engagement with the world and China's engagement with the world will continue to flourish.

Written by Wang Licheng, Wen Xunyan, and Li Zhuoran, along with their fellow student reporters from Peking University.