Recently, Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, visited Shandong University (SDU) for an in-depth dialogue with the Department of International Affairs. In the ensuing interview, Ms. Bokova shared her insights and expertise on critical topics including global education, cultural diplomacy, cultural heritage protection, and youth development.

Global Education Governance: Navigating Challenges with China’s Commitment

Ms. Bokova noted that the journey of advancing global education governance is fraught with challenges. She pointed out the significant difficulties in establishing the new education goal under the UN Sustainable Development Agenda: to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education, and promote lifelong learning for all. This new goal marks a pioneering effort to integrate a holistic vision of education into global action. It not only covers universal primary and secondary education and the promotion of higher education, but also gives special attention to long-standing challenges such as girls’ education. Among its components, Global Citizenship Education (GCED) stands out for its innovation. Encompassing cultural competence, intercultural dialogue, gender equality, and education for peace and sustainable development, it has become a cornerstone for understanding the global role of education. In confronting these challenges, Ms. Bokova emphasized the imperative for united international efforts, steadfast resolve, and sustained progress.

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Bokova stressed the vital importance of placing education at the core of the global agenda. This includes, in particular, fostering its deep integration with culture, cultural heritage protection, intercultural dialogue, climate action, technological innovation, and employment. Fundamentally, she emphasized, the goal is to eliminate educational inequality and ensure every child, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. She particularly noted the positive role China has played in this process.

Speaking on China’s role in global education governance, Ms. Bokova offered high praise. She stated that China has consistently been a staunch supporter of UNESCO and has made significant contributions within the field of education. She noted that China has not only demonstrated its commitment through pioneering initiatives, such as those at the Qingdao Summit, but has also become a major driving force for innovative educational cooperation through its higher education partnerships with African nations and its information technology education projects.

Cultural Diplomacy: Building Bridges and Fostering International Understanding

Ms. Bokova has long been a champion of cultural diplomacy, which she believes holds a unique value in today’s world. Against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition, cultural diplomacy builds bridges of mutual understanding through social networks and people-to-people exchanges, serving as a vital force to combat prejudice and foster trust. While cultural diplomacy cannot solve all problems, it creates a conducive environment for dialogue. Interactions such as museum exhibitions, artistic collaborations, and academic exchanges can promote genuine empathy and recognition across civilizations. These “human-centered” approaches to connection often forge more enduring and authentic international relationships than political rhetoric alone.

In response to biased reporting on China in some Western media, Ms. Bokova identified cultural diplomacy as an effective pathway to enhancing international understanding. She argued that cultural exchange can dispel misunderstandings and alleviate fears, noting that a lack of understanding is often the root cause of both conflict and barriers to international cooperation. By promoting shared historical narratives and current development exchanges—especially within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative—cultural cooperation can uncover common ground and create favorable conditions for resolving more complex issues.

Cultural Heritage: Preserving the Past and Innovating for the Future

Ms. Bokova offered high commendation for China’s significant achievements in cultural heritage protection and the development of its creative industries. Home to 59 World Heritage sites, China has successfully revitalized its intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which not only preserves traditional craftsmanship and strengthens cultural identity, but also generates substantial employment opportunities. Currently, the creative economy accounts for 4%-5% of China’s GDP, forming a distinctive development model that integrates creative industries, tourism, and handicrafts. This model, deeply rooted in local culture, can be seamlessly integrated into social development, providing the world with an outstanding example of how to combine cultural preservation with innovative growth.

Regarding how Shandong Province can leverage its cultural resources to enhance global influence and cultural diplomacy, Ms. Bokova highlighted its unique cultural advantages. It is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Mount Tai, and boasts the second-richest intangible cultural heritage resources nationwide. As an important cradle of Chinese civilization, Shandong not only possesses a profound cultural heritage but also benefits from the intellectual support for heritage protection and innovative development, provided through specialized research at institutions like Shandong University. She suggested that by organizing international cultural festivals, thematic exhibitions, and showcases of distinctive architecture, these precious cultural assets can be transformed into a new impetus for economic and social development, ultimately building globally resonant cultural brands for the province.

Message to Youth: Embrace Your Mission, Embrace Change

UNESCO’s “Education 2030 Framework for Action” emphasizes the cultivation of “Global Competence.” Ms. Bokova outlined three core dimensions of this competence:

ŸInterdisciplinary Knowledge: This requires both specialized technical expertise and broad-based humanistic literacy.

ŸEssential Skills: This highlights the soft skills in the AI era, including intercultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

ŸIntercultural Competence: The ability to navigate diverse cultures and thrive in globalized workplaces has become a key factor for professional growth.

Furthermore, UNESCO has always encouraged youth participation in global governance and the establishment of regular youth networks. Ms. Bokova explained that the biennial Youth Forum is a key initiative in this regard. This forum allows young people to directly engage with the same global issues addressed by governments and to propose policy recommendations, making the youth voice an integral part of the formal decision-making process. Today’s global development increasingly needs to embrace the philosophy that “Youth is Now.” By empowering young people through education, building platforms for their participation, and establishing mechanisms to listen to them, we can ensure that they truly become a vital force in solving contemporary global challenges.

Finally, Ms. Bokova shared three core messages for the global leaders of tomorrow:

First, true leadership lies not in position or rank, but in leading by example—living our values in society, on campus, or in any environment.

Second, our world demands unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the courage to embrace change, especially in the face of transformative opportunities brought by technologies like AI.

Third, regardless of your chosen field, always make it your mission to serve the common good. The power to change the world often stems from persistent dedication in ordinary roles.

Ms. Bokova’s visit and her insights offered a source of intellectual stimulation and inspiration for the faculty and students of Shandong University. Her dialogue also provided invaluable perspectives and direction for the future of global education, culture, and youth development. It is our firm belief that through the collective efforts of all parties, global education governance will continue to advance, cultural exchange will flourish, and the power of youth will shine ever more brightly on the global stage.

Written by: Zhao Xiaoting