At President Xi Jinping’s invitation, Finish President Alexander Stubb paid a state visit to China from October 28 to 3 1. President Stubb has long been a valued friend of the School of International Governance Innovation (SIGI) at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). In May 2020, he was appointed as the Director of the School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute (EUI) where he launched the “Master’s Degree Program in International Governance Innovation" and promoted cooperation with SIGI. In February 2024, he was elected President of the Republic of Finland. Over the years, SIGI has developed a deep friendship and close partnership with President Stubb and EUI, setting an exemplary model of educational cooperation that advances forward-lookin g alliances between China and Finland and between China and Europe.
Brief Introduction to President Alexander Stubb
Finnish President Alexander Stubb
President Stubb has been a prominent figure in Finnish politics. From 2004 to 2008, he was a Member of the European Parliament. Between 2008 and 2017, he occupied a number of high-profile positions, including Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, Trade Minister, and Chairman of the Finnish National Coalition Party, Finland’s largest parliamentary party. From 2017 to 2020, he served as Vice President of the European Investment Bank. In May 2020, he was appointed Director of STG, EUI. In February 2024, he was elected President of Finland and formally assumed office in March.
He has also made a notable impact in academia. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Helsinki in Finland and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, before completing a PhD at Stanford University in the United States. His research focuses on European politics, international relations, European integration, and economic globalization. Numerous acclaimed works have been written, including The European Union: How Does It Work? and The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration.
History of Cooperation between EUI and SIGI, GDUFS
GDUFS places great emphasis on cultivating talent in international governance. It prioritizes high-quality development, defines internationalization as its core characteristic, aligns its efforts with national strategies, and leverages interdisciplinary approaches to drive progress. These efforts are part of its mission to build a high-level and internationally-oriented education system distinguished by high quality, unique characteristics, and robust service capabilities. With its rich expertise in transnational governance and advanced academic programs, EUI is a vital partner of SIGI, GDUFS.
In July 2015, Prof. Zhao Longyue delivered a report titled “China’s Trade Strategy: FTAs, Mega-Regionals, and the WTO” at the World Trade Forum hosted by EUI. During the visit, he met with Prof. Renaud Dehousse (President of EUI) and Prof. Bernard Hoekman (Director of the Global Governance Programme), and proposed collaborating with EUI’s then-developing STG to cultivate talent in international governance innovation jointly.
Policy Paper by Prof. Zhao Longyue was Officially Published at EUI
During his visit to GDUFS in September 2018, Prof. Hoekman attended the China Forum on International Governance and met with Secretary Shi Youqi. The two parties reached a broad consensus on the establishment of teaching and research institutions for international governance, promoting exchange and cooperation, and the training of talents in global governance.
Prof. Bernard Hoekman’s Visit to GDUFS
Amid the severe COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, STG at EUI was officially established and began enrolling master’s students. During this time, SIGI held multiple video conferences with Director Stubb to jointly discuss the selection of outstanding Chinese students to participate in the EUI Master’s Program in Transnational Governance under pandemic conditions, further deepening the comprehensive cooperation between the two parties. Through joint efforts, the “Master’s Degree Program in International Governance Innovation" was successfully launched. Under this program, SIGI annually selects and recommends exceptional young students for the Master in Transnational Governance in STG, EUI. Further information on admission criteria and the framework for cooperation can be found in articles published on the official WeChat account.
On June 28, 2023, GDUFS and EUI signed the Agreement on Comprehensive Cooperation Framework between GDUFS and EUI, marking a new phase in the cooperation between the two parties.
Agreement on Comprehensive Cooperation Framework signed by GDUFS and EUI
In June 2024, Prof. Georgios Papakonstantinou (Executive Director of STG, EUI) visited GDUFS to promote further cooperation and exchanges between the two institutions across a broader range of fields.
Prof. Georgios Papakonstantinou’s Visit to GDUFS
Welcome Exceptional Third- and Fourth-year Undergraduates to Apply for the “Master’s Degree Program in International Governance Innovation”
Photos of President Stubb with Jing Luo and Peizhe Li from SIGI
The “Master’s Degree Program in International Governance Innovation”, jointly developed by EUI and SIGI, has achieved remarkable results and received strong support from President Stubb. In 2023, SIGI selected and recommended three exceptional undergraduate graduates — Mao Shan , Li Peizhe, and Luo Jing — to study at EUI where they participated in a farewell event marking President Stubb's return to Finland to assume office. In 2024, another three exceptional graduates— Liu Weiqi, Xu Yeci , and Liu Zirui — were selected and recommended for the program. Through results-driven cooperation in talent development for international governance and Sino-foreign educational initiatives, both parties are committed to cultivating more globally-minded and governance-ready political elites who will contribute their wisdom and strength to solving global challenges.
The program primarily targets full-time third- and fourth-year undergraduates at GDUFS. Partner institutions include the University of Maryland and EUI. The program is designed to train:
1. High-level professionals capable of representing China in international affairs, negotiations, and governance;
2. Skilled technical and managerial talents who can compete for mid-level, senior, and key positions in international organizations;
3. Comprehensive and multidisciplinary governance professionals to contribute to high-quality advancements in the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative;
4. International professionals who can promote high-level opening-up and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Students participating in this program gain the following advantages and opportunities:
1. The chance to participate in SIGI’s academic and practical activities while completing their undergraduate studies;
2. A streamlined pathway to study at prestigious foreign universities through GDUFS’s official channels;
3. Access to prioritized admission processes and tuition discounts at partner institutions;
4. Guidance from GDUFS faculty to secure internships and work placements in international organizations.
While studying at SIGI, students will focus on cutting-edge courses on international governance, international negotiations, and international economics. They will also actively participate in academic forums, international conferences, and research projects, enhancing their comprehensive skills through a blend of academic learning and practical experience. This approach lays a solid foundation for their future studies abroad. During the period of study in foreign partner universities, students can benefit from small, elite-class instruction, fostering close collaboration and friendships with peers worldwide. They will also have opportunities for face-to-face interactions with distinguished experts and scholars, enabling them to build meaningful relationships and establish a solid foundation for their future careers.
The “Master’s Degree Program in International Governance Innovation" creates new opportunities and platforms for students aspiring to engage in international governance. Through this program, exceptional young talents can realize their ambitions, align their personal goals with the demands of the times, and develop into high-caliber professionals in international governance equipped with a strong sense of national responsibility, a global vision, innovative abilities, and a spirit of accountability.
