On October 19, 2023, Professor Kevin P. Gallagher, Director of the Global Development Policy Center at Boston University and Professor of Global Development Policy at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, visited Peking University’s School of International Studies where he delivered a lecture titled “The Global Policy Agenda and Developing Countries: Exploring China’s Role.” The event was attended by Associate Dean and Associate Professor Dong Zhaohua of the School of International Studies, with Assistant Professor Chen Muyang serving as moderator.

Professor Gallagher observed that global economic instability and inequality have worsened due to external shocks including climate change and pandemics, requiring substantial investment to support structural transformation in developing countries. He proposed three critical reforms to reconstruct the global financial architecture for achieving resilient, low-carbon, and socially inclusive economic growth: expanding the system to meet 21st century economic demands, reforming existing institutions to better serve shared development and climate objectives, and increasing developing countries’ voice and representation in global governance. These reforms, he noted, have already entered current global policy discussions, with China uniquely positioned to advance this agenda.

During the discussion session, Associate Professor Dong Zhaohua shared perspectives on structural challenges and risk management in global financial reform. The event concluded with an interactive dialogue where Professor Gallagher fielded student questions on topics ranging from central banking and green finance to China’s climate leadership and evolving multilateralism trends.

Written by: Zeng Chuyuan
Edited by: Chen Muyang
Photo by: Zeng Chuyuan