On the morning of September 14, the School of Economics (SOE) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) hosted the grand opening ceremony of the 2024 International Symposium on Health Economics and Policy.

Kicking off the event, Vice President of HUST, Zhang Yonghui, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished experts and scholars who had journeyed far to participate in the conference. He emphasized that HUST has steadfastly upheld its motto of “Virtue, Erudition, Truth, Innovation” for over seven decades. The university is committed to advancing towards the goal of becoming a world-class university with Chinese characteristics. HUST has always prioritized international exchanges and cooperation, achieving significant milestones. In light of the evolving global health system and the challenges of an aging population, the forum aims to delve into health economics and public policy, explore development models suited to our national conditions, and contribute to HUST’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative and the creation of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Dean of the School of Economics, Zhang Jianhua, reflected on the school’s development history and its notable accomplishments in academic construction and international collaboration. He affirmed the school’s adherence to the university motto and its commitment to serving the people. The forum’s success, he noted, exemplifies the fruitful cooperation between the School of Economics and the Federal University of Minas Gerais in establishing the Brazilian Economic Development Research Center, actively addressing major national strategic needs. Dean Zhang hoped that the forum would facilitate in-depth discussions and consensus-building among participants, contributing insights to promoting Chinese-style modernization and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In a video address, Aziz Tuffi Saliba, Director of the International Exchange Office at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil, spoke about the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. He highlighted the substantial collaborations between HUST and UFMG over the past decade. Saliba believed that as major developing countries and key emerging markets, China and Brazil face similar opportunities and challenges. With aligned educational concepts and internationalization goals, HUST and UFMG should enhance their cooperation to bolster higher education, contribute to national prosperity, and foster a more peaceful and just international order.

The opening ceremony culminated in the unveiling of the Brazilian Economic Development Research Center at HUST. The ceremony was officiated by Zhou Liping, Dean of the School of International Education of HUST, Jiang Jing, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs, Monica, Professor of Department of Economics of UFMG, Liu Yaran, Chair of the School Committee of SOE, and Zhang Jianhua, among others.

Following the ceremony, distinguished scholars delivered inspiring keynote speeches. Among them were Prof. Yi Junjian from Peking University, Prof. Zou Hong from the School of Economics of Southwest University of Finance and Economics, Prof. Monica Viegas Andrade from UFMG, and Prof. Wang Gewei from Wuhan University.

The forum, organized by SOE on September 14-15, aimed to implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It sought to explore pathways to enhance public welfare in the new era. The event featured an opening ceremony, four keynote speeches, seven parallel forums, and two postgraduate forums. Over 50 renowned experts from China and abroad gathered at the foot of Yujia Mountain. They engaged in comprehensive discussions on topics such as national health promotion, health insurance systems, hospital management, and population planning. The event is expected to yield high-quality research findings and policy recommendations.

In November 2023, SOE signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with State University of Minas, Brazil, solidifying a long-term partnership and establishing the Brazilian Center for Economic Development Research. The Center is dedicated to in-depth research on improving the well-being of people in developing countries. It focuses on development economics, health economics, environmental economics, and the digital economy. The initiative aims to contribute wisdom and strength to socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life for populations.

Source: HUST School of Economics

Edited by: Chang Wen, Peng Yumeng