SHANGHAI—The Belt and Road Initiative is poised for a strategic evolution beyond physical infrastructure as leading international experts call for greater emphasis on soft power sectors during a major academic forum. The ninth International Academic Forum on the Belt and Road and Global Governance, co-hosted by Fudan University and the Silk Road Think Tank Association, became a platform for redefining the initiative’s future direction.
With global governance systems undergoing rapid transformation, participants emphasized that BRI must expand into science, culture, heritage preservation, sports, education, and health collaborations to effectively address worldwide challenges. This shift comes as the initiative enters what experts describe as a critical phase in global governance development.
Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former UN Undersecretary-General, commended China’s leadership in steering BRI toward green transition while advocating for what he termed ‘small and beautiful projects’ in soft sectors. ‘China has demonstrated remarkable capability in hard infrastructure—railroads, roads, and environmental projects—but can achieve even greater impact through global health and education initiatives,’ Solheim stated.
The digital dimension emerged as another priority area, with Solheim highlighting how BRI could help developing nations bridge technological gaps through digital infrastructure and access to artificial intelligence technologies. This perspective draws from his observations of China’s transformation since first visiting Shanghai in 1984.
Liu Zhiqin, Senior Fellow at Renmin University’s Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, stressed the importance of connecting BRI outcomes directly to citizens’ daily lives through education, health, and technology cooperation. ‘Amid globalization challenges, BRI should build consensus through shared benefits mechanisms, enhancing its role as both international public good and collaboration platform,’ Liu noted.
Artificial intelligence’s potential in educational cooperation received particular attention from Yuan Zhenguo, Chief Expert of the Shanghai Innovation Institute-ECNU Joint Laboratory of AI for Education. He detailed how large models in intelligent education could revolutionize cross-cultural exchanges while maintaining alignment with shared values of peace, equality, and development.
The forum occurred against the backdrop of growing political and economic influence from Global South nations, whose cooperation mechanisms have reached new maturity levels. These countries are increasingly promoting comprehensive collaboration across political, economic, trade, technological, and cultural fields, contributing positively to international stability.