The "2026 ZGC Forum Annual Conference — Forum on the Development of International Science and Technology Organizations and Global Science and Technology Governance," organized by the Research Center for Technological Innovation of Tsinghua University, a key research base for humanities and social sciences under the Ministry of Education, was held on March 28, 2026.

Under the theme of "Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits," the forum focused on three key areas: innovation in the global science and technology governance system, reform and transformation of international science and technology organizations and China's role, and the synergy between technology and rules. It aimed to build a high-level platform for dialogue and exchange in the field of international science and technology organizations, injecting strong momentum into further aggregating international science and technology resources and advancing the development of Beijing as an international exchange center and a hub for scientific and technological innovation.

The 2026 ZGC Forum Annual Conference — Forum on the Development of International Science and Technology Organizations and Global Science and Technology Governanc is held on March 28, 2026.

Focusing on Governance Innovation, Building Consensus on Open Cooperation

The forum featured in-depth discussions on topics such as innovation in the global science and technology governance system and the reform and development of international science and technology organizations, further consolidating broad consensus on promoting innovative development through open cooperation and addressing global challenges through collaborative governance.

Nie Jieying, deputy secretary of the CPC Chaoyang District Committee and District Mayor, stated that Chaoyang District leverages unique resource endowments to drive progress across the economy, exchanges, scientific innovation and business environment, providing comprehensive services and support for the establishment and development of international science and technology organizations. Moving forward, Chaoyang will continue to gather global science and innovation resources, talent and enterprises, Nie added, fueling the construction of Beijing as an international science and technology innovation center and contributing Chinese wisdom and new-quality productive forces to improving the global science and technology governance system.

Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, observed that as technological transformation accelerates and global challenges become more prominent, international science and technology organizations serve as a vital cornerstone of global governance. By exploring issues such as science and technology governance innovation, the forum advances open science and sustainable development, Khan said. UNESCO upholds the principle that science is a global public good and is ready to work with all partners to deepen cooperation and foster an open and inclusive global science and technology ecosystem, he added.

Other attendees included Chen Rui, deputy director of the China International Science and Technology Exchange Center; Qu Dacheng, deputy director of the Information Center of the China Association for Science and Technology; Benoit Dubuis, president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Shu Bilei, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Municipal People's Government; Yang Pu, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science Park Administrative Committee; Li Xin, executive vice president of the Beijing Association for Science and Technology; Liu Xiaokan, first-level inspector; Lou Yixiang, deputy district mayor of Chaoyang District; Xue Lan, distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences of Tsinghua University and dean of the Schwarzman College; and Chen Jin, professor at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, and director of the Research Center for Technological Innovation.

Releasing Development Outcomes, Enhancing Agglomeration Development Capacity

Several agreements and initiatives were confirmed during the forum. The development status and service system of the Headquarters Cluster for International Science and Technology Organizations was unveiled, and the Zhongguancun Chaoyang Park Administrative Committee and the Chaoyang District Association for Science and Technology signed occupancy agreements with newly arrived international science and technology organizations.

In addition, Chaoyang District launched the construction of the functional expansion zone of the Headquarters Cluster for International Science and Technology Organizations, and preparatory work for the establishment of the Zhongguancun International Science and Technology Organizations Development Institute was initiated.

Launch ceremony for the establishment of Zhongguancun International Science and Technology Organizations Development Institute (in Preparation)

Deepening Academic Exchanges, Broadening Global Governance Perspectives

Internationally renowned experts and scholars shared insights during the keynote speech session on topics including "From Linkage to Co-innovation: A New Paradigm for International Innovation Cooperation" and "Current Status and Trends in the Development of International Associations."

In the academic presentation session, experts and scholars from institutions such as Tsinghua University, Liaoning University, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology delivered presentations on themes such as pathways to stability in international science and technology cooperation, as well as artificial intelligence and global governance.

Academic presentation session

Advancing Frontier Research, Fostering Innovative Thinking

Young scholars from domestic and international universities and research institutes, including Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Purdue University and Hanyang University, presented papers at the academic symposium.

They also engaged in discussions centered on four themes: "Governance Structures and Multi-dimensional Synergy of International Science and Technology Organizations," "Rule Formulation and Global Practice Value of International Science and Technology Organizations," "Coordinated Development of Domestic and Global Science and Technology Organizations," and "Support Systems, Talent Cultivation, and Development Optimization of International Science and Technology Organizations."

Cutting-edge perspectives and pragmatic reflections were introduced during the discussions, injecting innovative ideas into the development of international science and technology organizations and accumulating valuable intellectual outcomes for advancing the coordinated improvement of the global science and technology governance system through government, industry, academia and research collaboration.

Eight papers, including "International Science and Technology Organizations: Connotation, Classification, and Evaluation Indicators" and "A Comparative Study of Data Governance Models and China's Responses," were recognized as "Annual High-Quality Papers."

Award ceremony for "Annual High-Quality Papers"

The forum established an efficient platform for exchange in research on the development of international science and technology organizations and global science and technology governance, yielding a range of valuable academic findings and practical experience summaries.

Moving forward, it is essential to continue promoting the integration of scientific research and practice, thereby contributing to China's active engagement in the global innovation network and deep participation in global science and technology governance.

Editor: Ren Zhongxi

Source: Research Center for Technological Innovation of Tsinghua University