LSE SU China Development Society
edit
The London School Of Economics Students' Union China Development Society (sometimes referred to as LSESU CDS)is a pioneering student organisation at London School Of Economics. Founded in 2002, it aims to focus on issues surrounding China's development and rapidly changing landscape. CDS has established itself as one of the few highly respected societies at LSE, with a membership base of over 3000 students, alumni and professionals.
CDS is also collaborating with many premium organisations, which includes the LSE Asia Research Centre, the Confucius Institute for Business London, the LSE Department of Economics, the 48 Group Club and the China Britain Business Council.
About CDS
editMission
editBRIDGING PERSPECTIVES & OPPORTUNITIES
CDS aspires to become one of the most influential China-oriented student bodies in Europe and its goal is to nurture and empower the leaders of tomorrow. It is its core value, that through the dedication of every executive committee in facilitating free exchange of information and ideas, the society can eventually build the ideal platform for people to acquire a better and more comprehensive understanding of China.
What CDS does
editWith a long-standing vision to ‘Bridge Perspectives and Opportunities’, our society has laid a great emphasis on organising intellectually stimulating public lectures, informative corporate presentations, large-scale conferences and networking sessions for our members and the wider public.
LSE SU China Development Forum
editThe LSE SU China Development Forum (CDF), co-organised by the LSE SU China Development Society and the LSE Institute of Global Affairs, was first founded in 2009. Now in its 14th year, the Forum has grown phenomenally to become the largest China-themed forum in Europe, with an audience of over 400 annually.
The aim of the Forum is to: provide a platform for both students interested in Chinese affairs as well as professionals well versed in China studies to engage in vibrant and in-depth intellectual discussions; bridge the gap between China and the outside world and promote mutual understanding; provide participants with valuable learning and networking opportunities to connect with global experts and future leaders.
The Forum consists of speeches and panel discussions. Speeches are given by prominent figures in fields like government, academia and business while panel discussions are debate-based and formulated to inspire meaningful thoughts among the viewers. In both formats, question-and-answer time is given to guarantee the best interactive experience.
For 13 years in a row, CDS has successfully hosted numerous outstanding speakers and aspiring future leaders.
Past CDFs
edit2021: Pivoting Through The Unprecedented
2020: Riding Tides in Uncertain Times
2019: Embracing New Dynamics
2018: China's Perspectives Redefined
2017: A Nation At The Crossroads
2016: Navigating Complexity
2015: Paths To Modernisation
2014: Rebalancing China
2013: China In Transition
2012: China's Reform Phase II
2011: China's Global Integration
2010: A Changing Role
2009: The Critical Point Of China's Economy
Notable Speakers
edit
Over the past 13 years, CDS has invited 260 distinguished guest speakers in the fields of government, academia, and business. Some of the reputable speakers are as follows:
2021 CDF Review
editThe 2021 CDF, Pivoting Through The Unprecedented, was a comprehensive forum, discussing challenges faced by and the dynamics of the global economy, the Chinese economy in particular, under the enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The forum comprised of four panels.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION UNDER DUAL CIRCULATION: CHINA’S ECONOMY BEYOND THE PANDEMIC
The panel discussion focused on the digital transformation under Dual Circulation. China’s digital transformation under Dual Circulation should take special care of data security and the commercialisation of data for various purposes. Unblocking the ‘international circulation’ is also of paramount significance. Moving forward under China’s Further Digital Evolution, Chinese companies could leverage the vast online databases to refine the quality and efficiency of domestic products to gain a solid edge when competing with Western challenges.
PROSPECT OF SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: CHINA AND THE WORLD HAND-IN-HAND
This panel aims to explain the complications of the US-China relations and the Green BRI have on sustainability. China has become the largest green finance market in the world. Despite the significant progress, several issues persist, including the accelerated CO2 emission. Better coordination with BRI countries on BRI projects is in need of development. Collective efforts are being made by members of society, such as Wild aid to promote sustainability by making use of the power of celebrity-driven media campaigns.
GLOBALISATION IN CRISIS: CHINA’S ROLE IN A DECADE OF RUPTURE
This panel discussed vital issues, such as the Taiwan issue and US-China relations and how these issues might affect the Chinese and the world economy. Regarding the Chinese position in this matter, Dr Liu indicated that China has a long history of trying to achieve a globally accepted unification since 1840. Although there have been some catastrophic events in history, China will not sabotage globalisation. Ms Bermann also agreed that preventing China from globalisation is detrimental. Regarding the EU-China agreement, she believes that the human rights issues in China could be questioned at times, but it should not be an obstacle in promoting cooperation.
FEMINISM IN DISTRESS: STIGMATISATION AND REVELATION
The panel discussed steps of the contemporary Chinese feminist movement and explained the two true causes of failure in the prevention of domestic violence cases in China: the inaction of legislation and law implementing bodies; and the lack of public confidence. Our speakers illustrated the fact that, although significant progress has been made in gender equality within society, it still has a long way to go for promoting diversity and equality in specific fields like the workplace.