On April 10, our university held the 2026 conference of its Committee for the Well-being of the Next Generation (hereinafter referred to as “CWNG”). Chen Liang, the Secretary of the Party Committee of SJZU and Honorary Director of the Working Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Among the participants were Zhang Haiyan, Executive Deputy Director of the Committee, heads of all member units of the Committee, Party General Branch Secretaries of secondary colleges, and the heads of all member units of the Committee. The conference was presided over by Ji Lihuai, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SJZU and Director of the Committee.

At the conference, Chen Liang delivered a speech entitled “Upholding the Original Aspiration of Educating People, Pooling the Strength of the ‘Five Elders’, and Striving to Write a New Chapter in the University’s Next-Generation Care Work”. He pointed out that the university’s CWNG has been closely focused on the fundamental task of cultivating virtue through education, actively supported the overall ‘1396’ development strategy, and implemented a series of effective educational practice activities. Its work has distinct features, notable highlights, and tangible effects, establishing a strong brand for the university’s CWNG. The work related to the next generation is a vital component of the cause of the Communist Party of China. It is closely associated with the future of the country and the fate of the nation. As the primary front for talent cultivation, institutions of higher education hold special and crucial strategic significance in fulfilling this work effectively. We must view this matter from a political and overarching perspective, deeply understand the utmost importance of this work, and earnestly strengthen our political sense of responsibility and historical mission in carrying out the work for the next generation in the new era.

Chen Liang outlined three requirements for the work of the University CWNG in 2026. First, we must prioritize political guidance to consolidate the ideological foundation of young students. We will continue to fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, leverage the unique exemplary role of “Five Elders”, guide students to establish correct values, and help them grow into responsible, hardworking and aspiring young people in the new era. Second, educational effectiveness should be taken as the core criterion to support students’ all-round development. Adhering to a student-centered approach, we will focus on fostering students’ moral integrity, intellectual ability, physical fitness, aesthetic sensibility and labor capability. We will center on collaborative education, deeply integrating the work of the CWNG with ideological and political theory courses, curriculum-based ideological and political education, and daily ideological and political education. We will strengthen practice-based education by vigorously expanding such platforms as labor education, professional practice, and social services, enabling students to enhance their competence and refine their character through hands-on participation and practical experience. Furthermore, we will stay attuned to students’ needs, focus on their well-rounded development, keep track of their ideological dynamics and growth challenges, and provide targeted guidance and services in legal education, physical and mental health, safety awareness, and aesthetic education. Third, hird, we must take innovation as the driving force to advance high-quality development of the Committee. Building on the university’s educational heritage and profound history, we will fully explore revolutionary resources and exemplary deeds preserved in venues including the University History Museum, university annals, and Niushan Academy, and develop a series of high-quality educational programs that are warm, insightful, and influential. We will leverage new technologies and new media, constantly innovating working platforms, enriching working content, and expanding working channels to further enhance the timeliness and appeal of our work. We will continue to consolidate the grassroots foundation and improve the university-college two-level organizational structure of the Committee. Moreover, we will promote the standardized development of the Committee in colleges and refine relevant working mechanisms. We will strengthen the self- development of the Committee by enhancing team training and capacity-building efforts. Additionally, we will improve the incentive mechanism for senior comrades’ participation, attracting more retired comrades with high political integrity, strong professional capabilities, and a commitment to education to join the Committee.

At the meeting, Zhang Haiyan provided a comprehensive summary of the work of the University CWNG in 2025. She systematically reviewed the accomplishments achieved in ideological guidance, care and support, and team building for college students over the past year. Objectively, she analyzed the drawbacks and insufficiency in the work. In line with the university’s central tasks, she made targeted arrangements for the key work in 2026, clarifying the goals, major measures, and implementation paths.

(Contributed by: Committee for the Well - being of the Next Generation Written by: Qiu Xiaojie)