Peking University, May 9th, 2018: On May 5th and 6th, the Second World Congress on Marxism was held in Peking University. More than 120 foreign Marxist scholars from 30 countries and 700 Chinese scholars gathered in PKU. The year of 2018 marked the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx's birth, and this year is also the 170th year of the publication of The Communist Manifesto, the 40th year of China's reform and opening-up as well as the 120th anniversary of Peking University, which add to the historical significance of this congress. 

The opening ceremony

In the morning of May 5th, the opening ceremony was held in Peaking University Hall. Several responding governmental officials, school officials and many other guests attended the opening ceremony. PKU Council Chairman Hao Ping welcomed all the participants, and then scholars shared their ideas on Marxism on the theme speech.

With the theme "Marxism and a Human Community with Shared Destiny", the congress consisted of ten separate forums and four high-level dialogue conferences. During the congress, scholars discussed on topics including Marxist theory and global cooperation and governance, Chinese philosophy, and China's modernization.

The closing ceremony of the Second World Congress on Marxism was held in Peking University Ying Jie Exchange Center on May 6th, hundreds of domestic and international scholars and experts took part in this ceremony.

The Closing Ceremony Exchange

Scholars came from ten separate forums firstly presented the outcomes of the discussion, and then Professor Gu Hailiang, Bo Ya Chair Professor of Peking University made a conclusion of the congress. Finally, PKU Council Vice Chairman Yu Hongjun made a closing speech.

Hailing Marx as a mentor for the revolution of all the working people, scholars agreed that Marx strived his entire life for the revolution of mankind, the pursuit of truth and the establishment of a new world. And Marxism has illuminated the path of mankind's pursuit of historical rules and self-revolution. They pointed out that Marx was a giant thinker, not only for the 19th century, but even more for understanding contemporary times. At the same time, many scholars suggested that it is necessary to remember Marx's great character and deeds and to review his noble spirit and brilliant thoughts. Marxism will always be the guiding thought of China, and it is a powerful mental tool to help the people know the world, pursue truth and change the world.

The success of first World Congress on Marxism starts a new era of international cooperation on Marxism study. As the host of this congress, Peking University is trying to establish a high-level academic platform where scholars from all around the world could exchange their viewpoints, so as to boost the communication between China and international society, and further promote the spread of Chinese Marxism.

Written by: He Jin
Edited by: Fu Wenyun, Karen Xu
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
http://news.pku.edu.cn/xwzh/2018-05/09/content_302716.htm