The opening ceremony of the 2025 Winter Program between Beijing Normal University (BNU) and William & Mary was held on January 5, 2025. This winter program was jointly organized by the Jingshi Academy of Beijing Normal University and the Global Research Institute of William & Mary. Nearly 20 faculty members and students from William & Mary participated in this winter program. Mr. Xiao Kai, Deputy Director of the Jingshi Academy, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

Mr. Xiao Kai expressed a warm welcome to the students and teachers of William & Mary, recalling the profound friendship between the two universities and the history of cooperation for more than 30 years. He hoped that this winter program would not only provide participants with an authentic, multidimensional, and comprehensive understanding of China but also deepen cooperation and exchanges between the two universities. He mentioned that the establishment of the Jingshi Academy and the launch of the "Global Development and Governance" master's program at BNU aim to focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the three major “Global Initiatives”, promote academic exchanges among young people worldwide, and advance mutual learning between civilizations. He welcomed the participants to join the program in the future and become active promoters of cultural exchange between China and the United States.

Dr. Kyuri Park, the faculty leader from William & Mary, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception by the Jingshi Academy. She encouraged the participants to make good use of the opportunity to come to China, understand the perspective of China, and attentively listen to Chinese scholars' reflections on global development issues to ensure a rewarding experience.

Dr. Yang Lichao, associate professor of the School of Sociology, BNU, delivered a keynote lecture entitled "China's Economic Reforms: A Historical Account during 1978-2005". From the perspective of global development and governance, she provided a detailed introduction to the measures China has taken to promote economic development and advance social equity since the Reform and Opening Up, as well as its impact on the world. The students listened attentively and actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their keen interest in China's economic and social transformations.

Student representatives from BNU participated in the opening ceremony, warmly sharing stories about their studies and campus life at BNU.

The students from William & Mary also visited the Belt and Road School at BNU, where they had friendly dialogue with the international students.

This winter program is an important part of the William & Mary Global Scholar Program, which provides real-world application and experience beyond the classroom by providing opportunities to explore the world, engage in meaningful research and connect with mentors globally.

As an important platform for integrating academic resources in the humanities and social sciences and facilitating cultural exchanges between China and the world, the Jingshi Academy organized the program to provide students from William & Mary with the opportunity to experience Chinese society and culture firsthand, and to help students gain insights into China's wisdom and solutions in global development and governance.

The winter program will last for 10 days. Through a diverse range of activities, including lectures, field visits, cultural experiences, educational tours, and group discussions, participants from William & Mary can engage in an immersive experience to deepen their understanding of the contemporary China's development.