On November 24, we invited Yuan Benwen, Dean of the School of Marxism Studies and professor from the North China University of Technology to deliver a speech themed “The Youth’s Historical Responsibilities Entrusted by the 20th CPC National Congress”. It was an important move to help students further study, publicize and implement the spirit of the Congress, gather full common consciousness, and inspire their striving force. The lecture was chaired by Ji Yanyan, Deputy Minister of Party Committee Student Affairs Department, with more than 1000 students participating online. 

Yuan Benwen remarked the special importance of the time, historical background and content of the 20th CPC National Congress, in a bid to guide students to deeply understand its historic position and the significance. The Congress is a meeting of great importance. It takes place at a critical time as the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups embark on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal. He pointed out that we should fully, accurately and comprehensively study the spirit of the Congress, so as to effectively keep consistent with the spirit of the Congress in mind and action, and gather the insights and strength to realize the goals of the Congress. Yuan Benwen summarized the historic achievements and changes of the new era. The past decade marked three major events of great immediate importance and profound historical significance for the cause of the Party and the people: We embraced the centenary of the Communist Party of China; we ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and we eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the First Centenary Goal. The changes over the past decade of the new era marks a milestone in the history of the development of the Chinese nation. He stressed that the students must remain confident in our history, grasp the law of history, exhibit greater historical initiative, stand at a new starting point, and pass new tests on the road ahead.

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the new journey ahead will be a long one filled with glories and dreams. Yuan Benwen pointed out that as the youth in the new era, the students must acquire a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and bear in mind matters of national significance. We shall follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and embrace the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, staying confident and building strength, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, and striving in unity. The Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation will be realized ultimately through the endeavors of young people, generation by generation.

This lecture is among the educational events to “Study the Spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and Set out on a New Journey”. Through in-depth interpretation of the Report to the 20th CPC National Congress, the students can understand the connotation, accurately grasp the spirit, and clarify the mission. The students must stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics and uphold Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership. The students are expected to grow into qualified youth of the new era who have lofty ideals, dare to shoulder responsibilities, and work hard, riding the current of national rejuvenation with strength and creativity, and creating a better China with wisdom and sweat.

Moving ahead, Party Committee Student Affairs Department will continue to organize education events in this regard to study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress in an all-round and immersive manner, working to keep the spirit deeply rooted among students and turn it into a powerful force to set out on a new journey and make achievements in the new era.