The "Regional Studies Discipline Development and Think Tank Construction Seminar," co-hosted by the Regional Studies Discipline Evaluation Group of the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council and Northwest University, was held on October 25 at Northwest University in Xi’an, Shaanxi province.

The event gathered officials, experts, and scholars from various institutions to discuss the development of regional disciplines, think tank construction, and talent cultivation, aiming to align with national strategies.

Sun Qingwei, president of Northwest University, emphasized the university's longstanding leadership in regional and national studies, prioritizing areas such as Central Asia and North Africa. He described the seminar as a valuable opportunity to advance these fields and enhance their role in serving national strategies.

Yu Wei from the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee highlighted the unprecedented opportunities for regional studies in supporting China's major-country diplomacy. He advocated for integrating academic and think tank functions to support global governance and foster a shared future for mankind.

Professor Jiang Feng called for enhanced collaboration among national universities to build a regional and national academic discipline system with Chinese characteristics and global influence.

The seminar featured keynote speeches and thematic discussions by experts such as Professor Qian Chengdan from Peking University and Professor Yang Jiemian from the Shanghai Institute of International Studies. They addressed topics such as theoretical frameworks, global governance, and innovative approaches to regional studies.

Over 30 experts engaged in discussions on themes like "independent knowledge system construction" and "think tank development pathways." They emphasized breaking down disciplinary barriers and enhancing problem-oriented research to provide effective policy advice.

The seminar's outcomes are expected to guide discipline planning and policy formulation in China, providing momentum for Northwest University to strengthen its academic focus and think tank influence.