Equilibrium: Our World in Balance

april 11-14, 2024, peking university, beijing, china

The world today exists in a delicate balance amidst dynamic and ever-changing forces. Climate change poses an existential threat for human society, while providing us an opportunity to think about sustainable and inclusive futures. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence can enhance economic and social development, yet they also pose challenges in the realms of governance and social cohesion. How societies respond to contemporary challenges are dependent largely on local cultural, economic, and political contexts. Finding equilibrium in light of changes in technology, the natural world, and human culture is key to promoting shared prosperity in the 21st century. In light of this, we present to you YGS 2024’s theme: “Equilibrium: Our World in Balance”.

2024 Statistics

10,704

Applicants

196

Delegates

0.8%

Acceptance Rate

51

Countries and Regions Represented

YGS 2024 will be the first entirely in-person symposium organized by the Yenching Academy post-pandemic and it promises to be an invigorating event fostering international exchange in China. We will explore connections and opportunities for cooperation along three dimensions:

Technology X Culture: Promoting Inclusive Innovation | 科技与文化：探索包容性创新

The first day of the conference will explore how 21st-century technological innovations are changing, improving, and complicating contemporary Chinese society. We are particularly interested in uncovering how technological innovations shape and are in turn shaped by the cultural contexts in which they are developed. We are excited to announce the following panels: Engineering AI’s Future: Collaborations Between China and the World and Revolutionizing Wellness: China’s HealthTech Landscape.

Culture X Nature: Coexisting in Tumultuous Times | 文化与自然：实现融合性共存

The second day of YGS will explore how human society interacts with the local environment. This day’s theme will provide opportunities to learn about Chinese innovations in sustainable fashion and other forms of artistic expression that promote environmental sustainability. Our panels will also feature prominent environmentalists, artists, and academics from around the world. These panels will be an opportunity for delegates to learn about different cultures’ insights into climate change mitigation and local environmental protection. We are excited to announce the following panels: Going for Gold: the Lives of Professional Chinese Athletes, On China Studies: how to Approach Studying China in the Modern Age, Nature as Artistic Expression, and Insights into Climate Change Leadership.

Nature X Technology: Engineering Sustainable Solutions | 自然与科技：促进可持续发展

The third day of YGS will broadly explore how established and emerging technologies are addressing contemporary environmental issues in China and abroad. Technological solutions to address anthropogenic climate change will be a primary focus and panels will explore evolving renewable energy technology, with a particular focus on China’s electric vehicle industry. Panels will, however, not only cover global environmental issues. Instead, a significant focus will be on understanding localized environmental problems and how China is using innovation to address them. We are excited to announce the following panels: Designing China’s Eco-Cities, Green Horizons: SMEs Driving Sustainable Energy Transition and Following the Electric Vehicle Supply Chain.