Beijing, 22nd April 2026 (BISTU)--- Themed on “Language connects the world, culture shapes the future”, the 2nd BISTU Foreign Language & Culture Festival greeted its grand opening ceremony at Shahe Campus on 22nd April 2026. It is aimed at serving the objective of building a campus of warmth, calmness, and vitality and strengthening the fusion of “foreign languages and culture plus information technology plus global horizon” for cultivation of globalized interdisciplinary high-quality talents.

The opening ceremony was joined by Chen Dongyun (former Cultural Counselor of the Embassy in Egypt and in Morocco), Prof. Ehsan Doostmohammad (a foreign expert of Translators Association of China), Christian Huarez Yarleque (a geographer), President Guo Fu, Vice Chairperson Yu Shijie, Vice Chairperson Wang Wenjie, Secretary Xin Hongguang of Discipline Inspection, Vice President Zhang Jian, and Ying Shuzhi (Assistant to the President).

Guo Fu extended warm welcome to all guests. He pointed out that languages are keys to connecting the world. BISTU has been constantly perfecting a globalized educational system, deepening global cooperative links, and innovating cross-cultural educational models since the objective of transforming from “BISTU internationalization” to “a globalized BISTU” was set. Recent years have witnessed establishment of Office of Global Affairs, BISTU joining“10+10” Cooperation Plan between Chinese and Arab Universities, and becoming a member of China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism. The University is now committed to nurturing high-level innovative talents of applied learning with global horizon and a strong sense of commitment to family and nation.

Guo Fu hoped that students and faculty should be culturally confident, i.e., maintaining Chinese cultural essence in cross-cultural communication. It was necessary to combine language skills with professional knowledge. He added that we should embrace the world, bridge cultural gaps, and contribute to building a shared future for mankind.

Prof. Ehsan Doostmohammad addressed the opening ceremony and spoke highly of BISTU’s role in building an efficient platform for Sino-foreign young people exchange and communication.

Senior administrators of the University presented awards to winner students. Artistic performances were also presented by students on the opening ceremony.

The Festival was hosted by College of Foreign Studies and co-organized by College of International Education, Astra Residential College, and the University Library. Four sections of the Festival, i.e., Academic Subject Competitions, Show Yourself, Cultural Experiences, and Academic Salon, will see a series of activities joined by students and faculty.

The opening ceremony was also attended by directors of relating BISTU departments and offices, deans of BISTU colleges, and representatives of faculty & students and international students.