C.E.A. Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative First Dialogue Convenes
Date：2021-09-08
Source: China-Europe-America Wechat Official Account
On September 8, 2021, the First Dialogue of the China-Europe-America Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative, under the framework of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, was successfully held online. 30 representatives from philanthropic institutions, academic, arts and business communities from China and around 10 countries in Europe, America and Africa participated in this event, where they shared their insights and experiences on how to promote philanthropy worldwide in the field of education, knowledge and arts, the planet, and human health and wellness.
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Opening Ceremony
In the opening ceremony, David Gosset, Founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative announced the official launch of the China-Europe-America Philanthropy Cooperation Initiative. Lu Cairong, Vice President of China International Publishing Group, and Vivian Jia, Co-founder of East Langkun International Culture, delivered opening remarks. Chen Man, a Chinese photographer, sent a special message to the event, followed by a keynote speech by Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO.
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Session One
In the first session moderated by Louis Godart, a former cultural advisor to three Italian presidents, panelists shared their insights on the significance of philanthropy for education, knowledge and arts in today’s context. Joan McEntee, former Under Secretary of the US Department of Commerce, pointed out that in face of the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation on the issue of philanthropy offers the US, the EU and China an important opportunity to strengthen their crucial relationship. President of Bracco Foundation, Diana Bracco, also mentioned that in this era when complexity and opportunity often go hand in hand, it is vital to build bridges between diverse cultures and initiate cooperation among foundations and philanthropic organizations worldwide. When confronted with innumerable challenges, Alexander Brose, Executive Director and CEO of The Tianjin Juilliard School, believes music can be a unifier that brings people together in times of disagreement and conflict.
In the speech of Xu Yongguang, Founder of Project Hope and Honorary President of Narada Foundation, the importance of voluntariness and transparency in the tertiary distribution was highlighted with the example of Project Hope, a pioneer project focusing on the education for Chinese students living in poverty. Marie-France Marchand-Baylet, President of the Groupe Dépêche Foundation, shared her idea that educational equality should be put at the center of our attention since young people represent the future of our world. According to Cecily Liu, Managing Director of Visionary Education, a better future of education requires innovative solutions and international cooperation. As concluded in the speech of Shen Qing, Board Chairperson of Enlai Foundation, education, knowledge and arts go beyond national borders and can foster mutual understanding and appreciation. Philanthropic efforts in these fields can greatly promote exchanges among civilizations and the progress of human society.
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Session Two
Session Two explored topics of promoting harmony between human and nature through philanthropy and innovative collaboration between institutes in various areas and philanthropic organizations. This session was moderated by William Wang, Dean of emlyon Asia. Chen Suping, Founder of China - Shenzhen - Handle Climate Change Film Festival, introduced what his platform had achieved as the first film festival held in China about climate change, as well as its commitment to sharing stories of “greening” China. Frank Wang, Secretary General of China Neutrality Forum, called for partnerships with charitable organizations to help fulfill the “3060” target, after briefing the audience on the background and vision of his forum.
James Ng, Greater China VP Sustainability & GM Social Business at Danone, shared the strong actions that Danone as a social enterprise had taken in four fields: climate change, regenerative agriculture, water management and circular economy, contributing to the development of a “Beautiful China” and “Healthy China”. Leslie Maasdorp, Vice President and CFO of New Development Bank, delivered a speech titled “Philanthropy: From the Fringes to Mainstream”, in which he encouraged companies in traditional industries and the private sector to engage more in innovative cooperation with philanthropic organizations. In the end, Jessica Cheng, Assistant General Manager of Lui Che Woo Prize, introduced the strategic partnerships they had established with individuals or organizations who received the awards. Both parties will push forward sustainable-development projects and create synergies in tackling global challenges.
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Session Three
Human health and wellness, another main focus of philanthropy today, are the keywords of the Session Three. Moderated by Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the session began with a speech from Liu Ying, Deputy Director of the Funding Department of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, who demonstrated with a series of philanthropic activities the Foundation’s deep love and care for humanity. Liu Xuanguo, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, introduced its achievements over the past few years, including its contribution to international humanitarian aid.
Maurizio Petta, President of the Isabella Seràgnoli Foundation, shared how private capital and public institutions could work together to serve social interest, using Bologna Children’s Hospice as an example. David Roth, CEO of Wakaya Group, Ophélie Renouard, Founder of le Bal Paris, Cao Yumin, Founder of VPhoto Image Fund, and Liu Ji-ou, Managing Director of Zean Capital, shared their vision and experiences in the field of philanthropy. The speakers have the same belief that philanthropy plays an important role in promoting human health and wellness.
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Closing Ceremony
In the closing ceremony, William Wang, Dean of emlyon Asia, and Nikolaj Moesgaard, Co-founder of Impact Intelligence, presented the concept of the Global Philanthropy Annual Report, which will be launched in 2022. Alex Fan, Co-founder of East Langkun International Culture, Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Yu Yunquan, President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, delivered closing remarks.
As emphasized by many panelists, philanthropy is essential to solving many of the world’s most critical problems. The China-Europe-America Global Initiative and its multiple platforms will continue to foster global dialogues on philanthropy and remain committed to building a sustainable community of shared future for mankind by harnessing the power of philanthropy.
