On October 31, the Symposium Marking the 10^th Anniversary of the Talented Young Scientist Program (TYSP) was held at CAAS. The symposium was sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), co-hosted by Department of International Cooperation of MOST and China Science and Technology Exchange Center (CSTEC), and organized by Department of International Cooperation of CAAS and Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture of CAAS. Dr. Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of MOST, and Prof. Wu Kongming, President of CAAS, attended the event.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Zhang Guangjun stated that on the 3^rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation convened in mid-October, Chinese President H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, while advancing scientific and technological innovation is one of the eight steps. Given the achievements of TYSP in the past ten years, it will definitely play a crucial role in implementing the eight major steps. China is willing to work together with all parties to continuously enhance scientific and technological, as well as people-to-people exchanges, provide a broader cooperative platform for young scientists worldwide, and build a community of innovation characterized by mutual trust, collaboration, connectivity and shared prosperity.

Prof. Wu Kongming pointed out that TYSP has achieved fruitful results over the past decade, supporting CAAS in attracting nearly 80 international young scientists from a dozen of countries, who have built up capacity, bonded friendship, and contributed to the development through mutual learning and exchange. He expressed confidence that TYSP will achieve greater development in promoting international scientific and technological exchanges, making new contribution to high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During the Symposium, the Collection of Achievements of TYSP’s 10^th Anniversary was released, featuring cases of young talents worked at research institutions all across the country, including three at Institute of Plant Protection, Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Institute of Pomology of CAAS, respectively.

Mr. Sun Jian, Deputy Director General of Department of International Cooperation of MOST, Mr. Gao Xiang, Director General of CSTEC, as well as Director Generals of Department of International Cooperation and Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture of CAAS attended the Symposium. A total of over 300 participants from 28 countries, including government officials, experts, scholars, diplomats, representatives of international young talents and international students, attended either in person or online.