(Photo: Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences)

To strengthen the international outreach and exchange functions of innovative think tanks and enhance Guangzhou's global profile as an international city, the Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences (China) and the Gwangju Institute (South Korea) held a signing ceremony in Guangzhou on April 17 to formalize their cooperation agreement. The event also included a joint academic seminar titled "China-S. Korea Think Tank Forum on Artificial Intelligence."

Under the agreement, the two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as smart mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), culture, and esports through policy research, exchange visits, and joint seminars. The partnership aims to establish a solid foundation for the mutual development of both cities.

At the signing ceremony, Zhang Yueguo, President of the Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences, remarked that this collaboration marks an important step in implementing the memorandum of cooperation signed between Guangzhou and Gwangju in December 2023. He emphasized that the partnership will provide valuable think tank expertise to enhance their sister-city relations.

Choi Chigook, President of the Gwangju Institute, emphasized that the agreement transcends mere institutional exchange. Instead, it serves as a substantial starting point for collaborative efforts to tackle urban challenges, including low fertility rates, an aging population, and carbon neutrality.

Building on the concept of a community with a shared future, both institutions will play a key role in connecting think tanks and promoting cultural exchange, mutual academic enrichment, and joint talent development. This partnership will evolve from being government-led to multi-stakeholder-driven, deepening collaboration from project alignment to co-creation of value. Through these efforts, the partnership aims to contribute wisdom and solutions to global urban governance.

(Photo: Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences)

At the "China-S. Korea Think Tank Forum on Artificial Intelligence," scholars and experts from both countries gathered for in-depth discussions on the development of the AI industry, digital economy trends, and regional cooperation. The symposium offered a platform for substantive exchanges regarding the latest advancements in AI technologies and their future direction.

The successful signing of the cooperation agreement and the "China-S. Korea Think Tank Forum on Artificial Intelligence" has not only injected new momentum into bilateral collaboration between China and South Korea in AI and related fields but has also provided valuable international insights and intellectual guidance to transform Guangzhou into a global benchmark city for the digital economy.