What is a “Round Table”?
The conference’s primary academic component is the “Round Table/Roundtable,” abbreviated as “RT.” RTs offer a structured discussion format where experts and interested individuals engage in open, often informal conversations on specific topics. These discussions not only expose delegates to fresh perspectives but also foster trust and mutual understanding among participants. Topics range from public health and wellness to economics and finance.
Each Roundtable, led by an Executive Committee Roundtable Coordinator, includes an equal mix of Chinese and American Delegates to ensure balanced cultural perspectives. During the conference, Delegates will participate in RT discussions and collaborate on research projects directly linked to their respective RT topics and the conference’s overall programming. These projects, when presented at site forums, serve as valuable deliverables that consolidate the content Delegates engaged with during the conference and facilitate a deeper exploration of key issues within their RT topics. Through intensive discussions and academic collaboration, participants develop a more nuanced understanding of their international counterparts and actively collaborate to generate real-world solutions within the context of U.S.-China relations.
The 5th China-America Student Conference’s Roundtables are:
Global Governance Perspective and Society Agriculture and Environment Language and Cultural Heritage
Roundtables
Global Governance
Roundtable Leaders: Shu Xin and Boyuan Min
Global governance is the multifaceted system of international institutions, rules, and decision-making processes that work across borders to address global challenges and manage international relations. It involves a wide range of actors, including nation-states, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational corporations, all of whom play a role in tackling issues that transcend national boundaries, such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, pandemics, and economic inequality. In the context of China-U.S. relations, global governance is a critical area where, despite challenges, there is ongoing collaboration and significant potential for further cooperation. A notable example is the joint efforts on climate change, where in 2015, China and the U.S. played pivotal roles in finalizing the Paris Agreement, a landmark global effort to combat climate change. The Global Governance roundtable endeavors to provide delegates a platform to analyze these dynamics in depth, exploring the successes and tensions in bilateral efforts and their implications for broader international systems. These discussions aim to foster deeper insights into U.S- China collaborative efforts and the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges, such as the Paris Agreement, which exemplifies the potential for joint action on pressing global issues.
Perspective and Society
Roundtable Leader: Krislyn Massey
In this roundtable, delegates will explore the social dynamics and historical influences shaping societies in both the USA and China. As societies evolve and establish their presence, citizens inevitably face challenges in maintaining social order. Our discussions will cover a wide range of topics, from the impact of filial piety on societal structure, to how youth slang reflects generational attitudes and shifts in perspective. We’ll also examine the ethical frameworks present in contemporary society and explore how we all contribute to the collective creation of these values. The goal of this roundtable is to foster globally aware citizens who can enhance their interpersonal skills through meaningful people-to-people exchanges. Understanding our own histories, as well as the histories of others, is essential for growth and progress in today’s world. As the Chinese saying goes, “不患人之不己知，患不知人也” — “Don’t worry about people not knowing you, worry about not knowing people.” I hope you’ll join this roundtable, ready to open your heart and mind to new perspectives and experiences
Agriculture and Environment
Roundtable Leader: Dahlia Townley-Bakewell
In this roundtable, delegates will consider the intersection of agriculture and the environment at both the international and domestic levels. Agriculture is one of the fields in which the United States and China collaborate the most, so our collective success in food production and environmental protection is of the utmost importance for both countries. In addition, we need to pursue sustainable agriculture to better protect the natural environment and ensure future harvests. This discussion will focus on US-China environmental and agricultural cooperation, how the governments of both countries can protect and support farmers, how environmental hazards affect the natural environment and agricultural yields, what declining pollinator populations mean for both agriculture and the environment and how we can embrace ancient and modern agricultural techniques to improve and protect our natural environment. Delegates will consider these issues to pursue possible paths forward.
Language and Cultural Heritage
Roundtable Leaders: Sirong Wang and Kiran Nieves-Noel
In this roundtable, delegates will explore the shared challenges and opportunities in preserving cultural heritage narratives, sites, languages, and histories in both the US and China. Inspired by UNESCO’s commitment to safeguarding cultural and linguistic diversity, we’ll examine how different policies and initiatives shape the preservation of heritage, highlighting successes and areas for growth. The discussion will focus on protecting diverse languages, celebrating historical narratives, and conserving heritage sites, fostering a balanced approach that honors both tradition and progress. This roundtable is not just about recognizing current efforts but also about collaboratively crafting strategies to enhance the understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. Delegates will work together to develop inclusive approaches that celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of heritage in both nations, guided by global best practices and a shared vision for the future.
