Event Overview:
The Forum for World Education (FWE), in collaboration with China Global Television Network (CGTN), is hosting a panel discussion titled “Education Diplomacy: How International Perspectives Can Affect the Next Generation” on September 28th, 2024. This event will explore the role of education as a form of
diplomacy, examining how international perspectives and experiences can shape the future of global leadership and foster a more peaceful world. With an emphasis on American universities’ global campuses (like NYU Shanghai) and the historical context of international students in the U.S., the discussion will highlight the significance of international education in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Panelists:

• Lead Panelist/Host: Ethan Jiayi Yu
  ○ Grew up in China, came to the U.S. at the age of 12
  ○ Attended a boarding school in Massachusetts, where he became the Student Body
  President
  ○ Currently serves as the Class of 2024 President at NYU Stern
• Co-Host:
  ○ CGTN Host (Name TBD)
• Panelist: Andre Sebastian Fraga
  ○ An American student whose family does business in China
  ○ Gained a unique global perspective from a young age due to his family’s international
  business connections
• Panelist: Holley Coulter
  ○ An American student and native Chinese speaker
  ○ Grew up in China and went through the Chinese traditional education system
  ○ Attended high school in Washington, D.C., and completed a dual degree in Russia and at
  the London School of Economics (LSE)
• Panelist: Ahmed Bharoocha
  ○ An American student of Indian descent
  ○ One of NYU Stern’s seven Breakthrough Scholars
  ○ Currently a manager at American Express with a distinctive educational journey

Special Guests:

• Dr. Susan Sclafani, Vice President of FWE
  Dr. Sclafani will deliver a brief speech on the importance of education diplomacy, particularly in
  the context of U.S. relations with global education institutions.
• Zhang Xin, President of CGTN
  Mrs. Zhang will discuss the influence of media in shaping international perspectives on education
  and diplomacy, particularly focusing on the role of international students in media narratives.
• Rossana Hu, Founding Partner, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office Chair and Miller
  Professor of the Department of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School
  of Design
  Rossana Hu will deliver a 5-minute speech connecting the role of interdisciplinary architectural
  design in fostering a global worldview and responding to unique contextual issues. She will
  highlight the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in education and design as a critical
  paradigm for leadership in the 21st century
• Yin Luo, Vice Chairman, Wolfe Research
  Yin Luo will provide a 5-minute speech focusing on how his work in quantitative research and
  portfolio strategy, combined with his educational background in both China and the West, has
  shaped his understanding of global business leadership and the role of education in diplomacy.

Objectives:

1. Historical Context:
   ○ Explore the origins of international education, starting from the Qing Dynasty, and
   discuss US Universities’ global expansion through campuses like NYU Shanghai and
   NYU Abu Dhabi.
   ○ Highlight how education has served as a form of diplomacy, particularly through the roles
   played by international students in major institutions and organizations.
2. Importance of International Perspectives:
   ○ Discuss the critical role of international education in developing leaders with a global
   perspective, citing examples such as the King of Jordan, King of Bhutan, and other global
   leaders who studied abroad.
   ○ Emphasize the need for multicultural backgrounds in promoting world peace and
   understanding.
3. The Role of Chinese Students Abroad:
   ○ Present statistics on the number of Chinese students (and international) studying abroad
   and their impact, including how many have become ambassadors or leaders.
   ○ Analyze the trend of more Americans studying in China, as encouraged by leaders like
   President Xi Jinping.
4. Business Leadership and International Education:
   ○ Examine whether international education is essential for successful business leadership.
   ○ Discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by foreign students in integrating into the
   “social classroom” (understanding language, culture, society, and community).
5. Promoting Cultural Understanding:
   ○ Consider the impact of cross-cultural exchanges, such as teaching ballet in Shanghai
   public schools, on eliminating biases and changing perceptions.

Target Audience:

• Educators and academic leaders
• International students and alumni
• Policymakers, ambassadors, and government officials
• Business leaders with global experience
• Students and academic researchers
• Representatives from non-profit organizations focused on education
• Media representatives

Event Format:

• Opening Remarks (10 minutes):
  Welcome and introduction to the panel’s objectives, with a brief history of international education
  and NYU’s global influence.
• Keynote Presentation (20 minutes): TBD, topic depending on speaker
  A presentation on the role of education as diplomacy, with a focus on historical and contemporary
  examples.
• Panel Discussion 1: International Education and Global Leadership (45 minutes):
  A moderated discussion led by Ethan Jiayi Yu, focusing on how international education shapes
  global leaders and promotes peace.
  • Panelists: Andre Sebastian Fraga and Holley Coulter
  • Discussion Points:
    • Andre’s unique insights on how his family’s business in China influenced his
      global outlook.
    • Holley’s experience growing up in China and how her understanding of both
      Chinese and Western education systems informs her views on global leadership.
• Panel Discussion 2: The Role of Chinese and International Students in Global Diplomacy
  (45 minutes):
  This panel, moderated by Ethan Jiayi Yu, will explore the impact of Chinese students studying
  abroad and the influence of American students in China.
  • Panelists: Holley Coulter and Ahmed Bharoocha
  • Discussion Points:
    • Holley’s dual education experience in Russia and the UK and how it enhances
      her understanding of global diplomacy.
    • Ahmed’s journey as a Breakthrough Scholar at NYU Stern and his experiences at
      American Express, focusing on how international education has shaped his
      career.
• Special Speeches and Q&A Session (30 minutes):
  • Dr. Susan Sclafani, Vice President of FWE: Dr. Sclafani will deliver a speech on
    education diplomacy followed by a Q&A session.
  • Zhang Xin, President of CGTN: Mrs. Zhang will discuss media’s role in education
    diplomacy followed by a Q&A session.
  • Rossana Hu, Founding Partner of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office and Chair of the
    Department of Architecture at University of Pennsylvania: Ms. Hu will speak on the role
    of interdisciplinary architectural design in fostering global perspectives and leadership,
    followed by a Q&A session.
  • Yin Luo, Vice Chairman of Wolfe Research: Mr. Luo will provide insights on the
    integration of quantitative research and international education in shaping global business
    leadership, followed by a Q&A session.
• Special Guest Appearance (15-30 minutes):
  • Sophia Schleicher (TBD), an expert on cultural exchange, will speak online about her
    experiences teaching ballet in Shanghai public schools and how it has changed
    perceptions in France.
  • Matt Dalio (TBD), who spent his teenage years in China, will share how these
    experiences led him to establish a foundation dedicated to helping disadvantaged children
    in China.
• Closing Remarks (10 minutes):
  Summary of key points, discussion outcomes, and a call to action for continued engagement on the topic.

Audience Size:
150-200 people

Conclusion:
This event will serve as a significant platform for discussing the intersection of education and diplomacy.
By bringing together diverse voices from the field, it aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how
international perspectives can shape the next generation of global leaders.