Peking University, May. 30, 2012: Valery Giscard d’Estaing, former President of France, visited Peking University (PKU) on May 28 and attended the opening ceremony for the Global Public Policy Executive Training Program 2012.

Prior to the keynote speech, Zhou Qifeng, President of PKU, met with Valery Giscard d’Estaing and exchanged their thoughts on the status quo and the future of China’s education and economy.

In his speech entitled “The Problem of the Political Organization of Europe”, Valery Giscard d’Estaing introduced the history of the European Union (EU) and compared the political system of EU with that of China. Even though EU has created tons of opportunities for its members, it is faced with complicated challenges, such as the dilemma between sovereignty and unity. Giscard also acknowledged the success of China’s united and efficient political system.

Valery Giscard d’Estaing delivering speech

Background information:

Valery Giscard d'Estaing is the former President of the Fifth French Republic from 1974 to 1981. He formed the Group of Six in 1975, which later incorporated Canada and Russia to have become the present G8. Giscard visited PKU in April 2003, delivering a speech entitled “The Future of Europe.”

The Global Public Policy Executive Training Program was launched in 2006. It is jointly taught by academics from Peking University, Columbia University, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Sciences Po. The program mainly provides training for Chinese and overseas high-rank government officials on public management.

Edited by: Zhang Jiang
Source: Office of International Relations