Global Lecture Series | Former IMF Secretary-General Lin Jianhai Speaks! Decode Global Economic Changes, Unlock Youth Growth Codes, and Win Book Benefits
The world today is undergoing profound changes. Geopolitical conflicts, energy and food security challenges, intertwined with trends such as climate change, digital transformation, green development, and trade protectionism, have brought unprecedented uncertainty to the global economy.
Against this backdrop, the international economic governance system, which gradually formed after World War II, is in an important period of transformation. What new challenges are facing multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the United Nations? How has China's role in global economic governance evolved? How should the younger generation understand this ever-changing world and write their own life stories?
In this context, young students with cross-cultural backgrounds and international perspectives are in urgent need of understanding the nature of change and of seizing opportunities to participate in global governance. Drawing on the speaker's 30 years of experience at the IMF, this lecture will review the evolution of the system, analyze practical challenges, explore the prospects for multilateral cooperation, and provide guidance for young people planning their path to global participation.
Basic Information of the Lecture
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Topic: Global Economic Governance in an Era of Turmoil: Examining the Evolution of the International Order and Youth Opportunities Through “Heading Toward the World”
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Organizers: Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (Office of Government and Community Outreach), Wenzhou-Kean University Library
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Time: April 14, 2026 (Tuesday) 14:30 (Check-in at 14:15)
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Venue: CBPM C119
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Participants: All faculty, staff and students of Wenzhou-Kean University
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Guest Speaker: Lin Jianhai (Former Secretary-General of the IMF, Member of the Wenzhou-Kean University Advisory Board)
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Language: Chinese (Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English provided on site)
Speaker: Lin Jianhai
Former Secretary General of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Secretary General of the Board of Governors and the International Monetary and Financial Committee;
Executive Vice President of the International Finance Forum; Member of Advisory Committee of Wenzhou-Kean University;
Author of " Reaching the World: My Thirty Years with the IMF"
Book Introduction: " Reaching the World: My Thirty Years with the IMF"
Spanning his more than 30-year career at the IMF, this book provides a rare "insider's perspective", showing how the IMF stood at the forefront of global financial crises, from the Asian financial crisis to the increasingly complex global economic challenges, working with member states to maintain economic stability, promote development, and respond to uncertainty.
In addition to crisis response and policy practice, this book is also a record of the changes of the times — how China integrated into the global economic system, how the global economic governance pattern evolved, and how emerging market countries continuously enhanced their voice. Through rich personal experiences and little-known behind-the-scenes details, the author restores many historic moments, including the process of the RMB being included in the SDR basket and the evolution of the IMF's key leadership.
The book combines grand narratives of witnessing the ups and downs of global economic governance with warm details of struggling in an overseas workplace. It is not only a professional memoir, but also a work of reflection on responsibility, cooperation, and an open perspective. Whether you are a young student curious about international organizations or a reader concerned about the global economy, you can understand the underlying rules of global economic operations and how individuals can seize opportunities in the tide of the times through this documentary work that combines professional depth and humanistic warmth.
Currently, this book is on display at the SLAC 3rd Floor Atrium of the Library. Interested faculty, staff, and students are welcome to visit and browse in advance.
Book Giveaway Rules (Must Read!)
This lecture offers a special benefit: 20 limited copies of "Towards the World: My Thirty Years with the IMF". On-site audience members have the opportunity to receive a personal signature from Mr. Lin Jianhai and have a face-to-face exchange with him.
The specific participation and award redemption rules are as follows:
Participation Requirement: You must join the exclusive lecture group in advance (see below for group entry method); those who do not join the group cannot participate in the lottery;
Lottery Method: 20 lucky winners will be randomly selected via an on-site lottery box during the interactive session, with the entire process fair and transparent.
Redemption Requirement: Winners must fully attend the lecture and complete on-site check-in to receive the book. Failure to check in or early departure will result in disqualification, and the prize will be redrawn.
Participation Method (Registration Method)
All faculty, staff, and students of Wenzhou-Kean University who are interested in participating in the lecture are invited to immediately scan the QR code below to join the exclusive lecture registration group. The registration deadline is 12:00 noon on April 14th.
Those who do not complete group registration before 12:00 noon on April 14th will not be able to participate in this book giveaway lottery and other lecture-related benefits!
In the face of changes, only by insight into trends can we seize opportunities.
On April 14, let us listen to Professor Lin Jianhai's sharing together, understand global economic changes, absorb the power of growth, and have the opportunity to win exclusive books to unlock a new international perspective!
