Beijing, May 26, 2025 — Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management convened a prestigious gathering of global academic leaders on May 24, marking the dual celebration of Guanghua’s 40th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of its groundbreaking Future Leaders Program. The event brought together deans and senior representatives from over 16 world-renowned business schools and culminated in the signing of a joint “Consensus on the Future of Business Education,” setting a collaborative vision for the future of global management education.
Keynote Address by Dean Qiao Liu
The forum opened with remarks from Professor Qiaowei Shen, Associate Dean of Guanghua, who welcomed the distinguished deans, alumni, and guests. Dean Qiao Liu delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative journey of Guanghua over four decades and addressing the urgent challenges facing global business education — from AI disruption and shifting employment landscapes to climate change and global economic fragmentation.
“Business education is at a crossroads,” Liu stated. “We must prepare our students not just with technical skills, but with imagination, values, and the courage to tackle complex societal problems. It’s time to reimagine the role of business schools.”
Global Deans Panel Discussion
Following the keynote, the forum featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Professor Ying Zhang, Associate Dean of Guanghua. Deans and senior leaders from 16 top business schools across Asia, Europe, and the Americas explored how global business education must respond to emerging trends — including digital disruption, climate risk, and evolving workforce demands. Panelists emphasized the need for business schools to move beyond job-market preparation and instead cultivate ethical leadership, global inclusivity, and a focus on creating long-term, meaningful value.
Panelists of the Global Deans Panel Discussion
Consensus Signing Ceremony
During the forum, participants also reaffirmed their commitment to global collaboration through the signing of the Consensus on the Future of Business Education. The statement outlines shared priorities for future curricula, including interdisciplinary learning, AI readiness, sustainability, and cultivating global citizenship.
Consensus on the Future of Business Education
Future Leaders Program Students and Alumni attend the Global Deans Forum
The celebration also honored the success of the Future Leaders Program, Guanghua’s flagship undergraduate initiative that brings together elite students from over 15 global partner institutions for a unique two-plus-two academic structure. Students spend two years at their home universities before completing their degree at Peking University, gaining deep exposure to Chinese markets, culture, and business practice.
Since its launch in 2019, the Future Leaders Program has attracted students from more than 30 countries and helped place graduates into top-tier global institutions and firms. “This program is not just an academic experiment — it's a transformative experience,” said a participating alumna via a heartfelt video message.
Group Photo of Partner School Delegates with Peking University Representatives
Looking ahead, Guanghua is actively expanding the Future Leaders network with new partnerships in the UK, Mexico, Indonesia, and beyond. At the heart of this growth is the mission to develop global leaders with deep China expertise and a commitment to positive social change, preparing students to address critical challenges and create lasting impact worldwide.
Panelists include:
Hongbin Cai, Dean
The University of Hong Kong, Business School (Hong Kong SAR)
Didi Achjari, Dean
Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Economics and Business (Indonesia)
Emi Osono, Dean
Hitotsubashi University, Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy (Japan)
Joan Rodon, Dean
ESADE Business School (Spain)
Davide Ravasi, Dean
University College London, School of Management (United Kingdom)
Detlev Zwick, Dean
York University, Schulich School of Business (Canada)
Qiao Liu, Dean
Peking University Guanghua School of Management (China)
Francesco Saita, Dean for International Affairs
Bocconi University (Italy)
Henry Bradford, Vice Dean
IE University, IE Business School (Spain)
Hongsuk Yang, Associate Dean
Seoul National University, Business School (South Korea)
Susan See Tho, Assistant Dean
National University of Singapore, Business School (Singapore)
Wilfred Mijnhardt, Policy Director General
Erasmus University, Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands)
Wei Wang, Asian Academic Advisor
Queen’s University, Smith School of Business (Canada)
Daphne Lui, Academic Director for the Global BBA in Singapore Campus
ESSEC Business School (France)
Keisuke Otsu, Chairperson of Global Education
Keio University, Faculty of Business and Commerce (Japan)
Katharina Droeghoff, Manager, International Affairs, Double Degrees & Study Options
University of Mannheim, Business School (Germany)
