On September 8, 2021, coinciding with the UNESCO International Literacy Day, the first dialogue of China-Europe-America Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative was held virtually via video link. The meeting was co-organized by the China-Europe-America Global Initiative and the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC). More than 30 attendees from the sectors of charity, academics, art, and business shared their experiences, studies, and opinions on ways to promote high-quality development of global philanthropy.
At the opening ceremony, David Gosset, founder of China-Europe-America Global Initiative and Europe-China Forum, announced the official launching of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. Lu Cairong, vice president of China International Publishing Group (CIPG) delivered a speech, in which he emphasized the role of philanthropy in China’s poverty alleviation drive and international assistance and highlighted the importance of international exchanges in this field. Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO, also delivered a video speech. She said, “International organizations are calling for better understanding and greater transparency on how the philanthropic sector can best contribute to the global development agenda.”
CIPG Vice President Lu Cairong delivering a speech at the first dialogue of the China-Europe-America Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative on September 8, 2021. Photo by Dong Ning
During the first session, attendees shared ideas about philanthropy for education, knowledge, and craftsmanship Joan McEntee, former undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, pointed out in her speech, “Combining the resources and complementing strengths of China, the EU, and the United States would send a powerful message that they are indeed prepared to address the critical issue of philanthropy. And others should join them in this goal.” Taking examples of education programs, Xu Yongguang, founder of China’s Project Hope and honorary president of Narada Foundation, stressed the importance of social redistribution based on the principle of voluntariness, which would further promote the development of philanthropy. Regarding music activities, Alexander Brose, executive director and CEO of The Tianjin Juilliard School, expressed his views of how music can be used as a unifier to bring people together during times of discord and conflict.
In the second session which focused on the topic of philanthropy for the planet, James Ng, head of sustainability and social business of Danone in China, presented effective measures that his business had implemented on regenerative agriculture, water resources management, and circular economy to contribute to climate change control. Leslie Maasdorp, vice president and CFO of New Development Bank (NDB), encouraged more traditional industries, private companies, and charity organizations to carry out innovative cooperation and expressed his confidence in the final realization of carbon neutrality.
Representatives participating in the first dialogue of the China-Europe-America Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative via video link on September 8, 2021. Photo courtesy of China-Europe-America Global Initiative
The third session centered on the topic of philanthropy for human health and wellness. During this session, Liu Ying, deputy director of the Funding Department of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, introduced their experience in assisting public health emergencies, rural revitalization, and development of the medical and healthcare sector, as well as their mission in promoting world peace and human development. Liu Xuanguo, vice chairman of Chinese Red Cross Foundation, enumerated the achievements of China and the world at large in disaster relief and social assistance. From a foreign perspective, Maurizio Petta, chairman of the Isabella Seràgnoli Foundation, introduced an innovative approach for integrating private capitals and public institutions to benefit the society.
At the closing ceremony, William Wang, dean of emlyon Asia, and Nikolaj Moesgaard, co-founder of Impact Intelligence, elaborated on the Global Philanthropy Annual Report, which will be released in January 2022. Alex Fan, member of Board of Trustees of China-Europe-America Global Initiative, Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Yu Yunquan, president of Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, also gave speeches at this session.
