2026 China-Europe Talent Forum held in Beijing

The 2026 China-Europe Talent Forum was held in Beijing on Sept. 21. Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), addressed the forum.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a keynote speech at the 2026 China-Europe Talent Forum in Beijing, Sept. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

In his keynote speech, Chang said that a sound and stable China-Europe relationship serves the interests of both sides and benefits the wider world, making it one of the most consequential bilateral relationships globally. He called for deeper cooperation across the economic, strategic, and people-to-people dimensions.

He said differences should be managed through dialogue and consultation, helping create a more predictable environment for the global economy. Issues such as climate change, green development, and global artificial intelligence governance, he added, offer further scope for the two sides to work together on shared challenges.

He also pointed to culture, sports, tourism, and local exchanges as practical avenues for strengthening people-to-people ties and mutual understanding. Chang said CICG has long been committed to promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Europe. Looking ahead, he said the group will continue working with partners across China and Europe to expand practical cooperation in media, publishing, think tanks, and talent development.

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), joins the launch of the SPARK Program for Global Young Innovators in Beijing at the 2026 China-Europe Talent Forum, Sept. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Under the theme "Sharing Together, Growing Together, Winning Together – Bridging Continents: Decoding Talent and Innovation," the forum brought together government officials, representatives of international organizations, leading experts and scholars, and business leaders from China and Europe for in-depth discussions on innovative approaches to China-Europe talent cooperation.

The event included keynote dialogues, roundtable discussions, the release of outcomes, and the launch of joint projects, along with talent exchange activities focusing on six areas: youth, education, science and technology, culture, future industries, and ecological civilization.

Yu Tao, vice president of CICG, also attended the forum and joined the launch of the SPARK Program for Global Young Innovators in Beijing.

The 2026 China-Europe Talent Forum is held in Beijing, Sept. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Publications are on display at the 2026 China-Europe Talent Forum in Beijing, Sept. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

The forum formed part of broader cooperation efforts between CICG and the Beijing municipal government, aimed at strengthening Beijing's international talent ecosystem and expanding ties with European partners. CICG-affiliated organizations contributed by organizing cultural and youth exchange programs and supporting the event through publishing, media, and other initiatives.