Jinshi Philanthropy Seminar Series launching ceremony

        On the evening of October 8, Beijing Normal University One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute and Beijing Volunteer Service Guidance Center co-hosted the first Jinshi Philanthropy Seminar Series at Beijing Normal University. The two organizations hope the event will help promote broader dissemination of philanthropic ideals and deepen cooperation in the field.

Jet Li delivering speech

        One Foundation founder and BNU One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute chairman Jet Li is the first guest speaker at the university’s Jingwen auditorium. His speech is titled “philanthropy and charity nowadays and social enterprises” and lasted for 2 hours, including interaction with university teachers and students. Jet Li shared his stories in charity and expressed his hopes for institute. His easily-comprehensible style won heated applause from an audience of nearly 400 students and teachers.

        The event is mediated by Wang Zhenyao, former head of Ministry of Civil Affairs of Social Welfare and Charity Promotion Division, he is now working as president of the Philanthropy Institute. Deputy Party Secretary of Beijing Normal University Wang Binglin, celebrity actor Wen Zhang,  director of Beijing Volunteer Service Guidance Center Guo Xinbao,  Vice Preisdent of Beijing Volunteer Development Studies Jin Anping, vice president of Social Development and Public Policy Department, Beijing Normal University Zhang Qiang, Zhang Xiaohong from Beijing Volunteer Association, Qiao Xiaopeng from Beijing Volunteer Service Guidance Centeattended the day's activities, and unveiled the first workshop. It is reported that the Jinshi Philanthropy Seminar Series is not only the first of its kind in colleges, but also one which includes academic as well as practical knowledge in the field of philanthropy.

        The organizers say the Jinshi Philanthropy Seminar Series will invite government officials, experts, business leaders and other public figures to give lectures on current events and theories in philanthropy. Guest speakers will usually be well-known individuals with a deep devotion in philanthropy.

        The Jinshi Philanthropy Seminar Series will select a case involving innovative philanthropy every two months. Random talks with special guests will be held. It will also publish books and audio-visual products.

        The Beijing Normal University One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute is the first in China that harbors cooperation between an institute for higher education and a non-profit foundation. It will also be providing consultative services to the public. An academic commission was established to ensure its graduates are qualified administrators of philanthropic causes. Its honorary chairman is the party secretary of Beijing Normal University, Liu Chuansheng chairman is Jet Li, and the vice president is the executive vice president for the Beijing Normal University, Dong Qi. The Institute’s President is the former head of Social Welfare and Charity Promotion Division under Ministry of Civil Affairs.

        With China’s rapid economic growth, philanthropy has become one of the most prominent sectors. Developing philanthropy is an effective way to improve people’s overall quality, ease social tensions and promote harmony among people. The widely watched China trip by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett was apparent evidence that the public is shifting more of its attention to philanthropy.