On the morning of March 27, the first International Teacher Training Program of the Institute of Global Teacher Development was held at Beijing Normal University (BNU). The event brought together more than 200 participants, including officials from government and UNESCO, university leaders of BNU, and teacher and student representatives from over 50 countries around the world.

Du Jiangfeng, Vice Minister of Education; Yu Jihong, President of BNU; Yu Weiyue, Director of the Department of Teacher Work of the Ministry of Education, emphasized at the event that the establishment of the Institute of Global Teacher Development and the launch of its first international teacher training program mark a new starting point for deep dialogue between China's educational expertise and global educational development. It is of great significance for opening up new tracks in educational internationalization. Moving forward, efforts will focus on integrating the strengths of the initial 21 branch centers of the Institute, conducting in-depth research on the characteristics of teacher education across different regions and countries, identifying key areas for international exchange and cooperation, and strengthening global partnerships.

Duisenbay Kulpynay from Kazakhstan, Beijing Language and Culture University and Qiji from Nigeria, Southwest University spoke as representatives of the international trainees. 

Kulpynay shared her personal experience participating as a translator in China-Kazakhstan educational cooperation projects. She expressed that the training program provides a valuable platform for enhancing teachers' professional competencies and advancing teacher education as a discipline. She also extended her best wishes to the Institute of Global Teacher Development, hoping it would become a talent hub for fostering exchange and growth among teachers from China and Kazakhstan.

Qiji shared his 12-year journey of studying and teaching in China, as well as his vision for promoting China-Africa educational cooperation and cultural exchange. He firmly believed that "education knows no borders and neither do teachers". He aspired to serve as a bridge and link between China and Africa in the field of education and cultural communication.

Li Na, a representative of BNU overseas teaching faculty, shared her 17-year journey in international Chinese language education. She emphasized that Chinese language teachers are ambassadors of Chinese culture and called for joint efforts to contribute the strength of Chinese education to the building of a shared future for mankind.

Zhang Minxuan, Director of the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education, delivered the keynote speech. Drawing on key documents from international organizations and the Global Teacher Report, he highlighted critical issues such as the global shortage of qualified teachers and the need for professional transformation in the teaching workforce. He also outlined new global expectations for the teachers of the future.

Wang Ming, Vice President of BNU, said in his closing remarks that the first International Teacher Training Program is the starting point of a new journey for the Institute of Global Teacher Development, which can contribute Chinese wisdom to cultivate more "future teachers" who are well-versed in both Chinese and foreign cultures. 

Leaders from 21 partner institutions, along with over 100 international trainee teachers and students majoring in teacher education, participated in the training program. Looking ahead, the Institute of Global Teacher Development will continue to serve as a platform for promoting collaborative progress in global teacher education.