March 23, 2021 –
The Canada China Forum is proud to announce its inaugural membership cohort.
In the summer of 2020, the Canada China Forum was launched with the mission of creating a space for young Canadians to discuss, debate and learn about China and Canada-China relations. The result is a new national network for emerging Canadian leaders across the country who are driven to contributing constructively to Canada’s national interest and engagement with China. The Forum is guided by a set of eight founding values, which includes a commitment to non-partisanship and inclusivity. Moving forward, the Forum will approach all events, projects, and discussions from a good-faith perspective grounded in respect, open-mindedness, and understanding.
The first cohort of Canada China Forum members includes 30 high-calibre individuals from across the country with diverse experiences and backgrounds, open minds and limitless potential. Representing the next generation of Canadian leaders, the inaugural members include students and young professionals from the public and private sector, with ages ranging from 18 to 34 (and a median age of 25). The Forum is expanding and seeks to be a representative slice of emerging Canadian leaders who are dedicated to deepening their understanding of China and the Canada-China bilateral relationship in service of Canada’s national interest. We will soon announce information on the next round of recruitment for Forum membership.
Despite the deterioration of bilateral relations between Canada and China, the large number of high-quality applicants demonstrates that there is broad and continued interest in China and the Canada-China relations among young Canadians. Moreover, undeterred by the impact and limitations of the coronavirus pandemic throughout 2020 and entering 2021, the Forum has already convened its members in an effort to build a national community – virtually. A virtual launch event held on February 4th featured a frank and open discussion of Canadian public opinion of China. We have since convened members of the Forum for a brainstorming session, trivia night, and the first in a series of foundational lectures aimed at providing members with an expert view of the core ideas and issues that are crucial to understanding China and the Canada-China relationship.
The creation of the Canada China Forum and the selection of the inaugural members marks a step forward for Canada to cultivate a new generation of Canadian leaders who are globally-minded and China competent. The Forum provides members with numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue, build connections with like-minded individuals, and develop competencies for understanding China and the Canada-China relationship
We would like to thank the Canada China Forum Advisory Board, who bring a wealth of knowledge, a unique and diverse set of backgrounds, and unparalleled expertise to the Forum. As well, the activities of the Forum would not be possible without our Foundational Partners: the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia, the China Institute at the University of Alberta, the Canada China Business Council, and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
We are excited for a busy year in 2021, filled with interesting, relevant, and important discussions relating to China and the Canada-China relations. Learn more about the Forum at canadachinaforum.ca, engage with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/canada-china-forum), and follow us on Twitter (@CanChnForum).Please contact info@canadachinaforum.ca with any questions, comments, or partnership queries.
Thank you!