On December 8, 2024, the 2024 International Labor Governance Forum and Regional and National Trade Union Research Report Symposium took place in Meeting Room 509 of the Zhiyuan Building at Beijing Campus. The forum was attended by Tao Zhiyong, Director of the Research Office of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, Zheng Haixin, Second-Level Inspector at the International Liaison Department of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, Hou Yuxiang, Dean of the Graduate School and the Institute for International and Regional Studies of Beijing International Studies University, Zhang Hao, Director of the Department of Labor Relations at the School of Labor and Human Resources of Renmin University of China, Tu Wei, Researcher of the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Security and Expert of the International Labour Organization Beijing Office, Liang Xiaohui, Deputy Director/Deputy Chief Economist at the Social Responsibility Office of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, Fu Deyin, President of CULR, and Li Ke, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC and Vice President of CULR. Nearly 40 attendees participated in the forum, including representatives from relevant functional departments at CULR, as well as faculty and graduate student representatives from the Regional and National Trade Union Research Group. The forum was chaired by Vice President Li Ke.

In his speech, President Fu Deyin emphasized that international labor governance and regional and national trade union research are key areas of focus for CULR. He highlighted that the research group has achieved remarkable outcomes in their preliminary efforts. He pointed out that China's Action Plan for Philosophy and Social Sciences outlines the need to build an independent knowledge system and enhance research on regional and national research. CULR's profound efforts in this research showcase its responsibility to support the primary role of trade unions and strengthen the development of the trade union studies discipline. He expressed his expectations for the research group's future work: First, maintain persistent efforts and undertake more meticulous and comprehensive research; second, stay current with the times and continuously monitor research progress; third, highlight academic rigor and ensure a systematic and scientific approach to the research; fourth, prioritize key areas and broaden the range of regional and national research; fifth, enhance standardization and focus on the conversion of outcomes. The research outcomes should provide stronger support for the development of the trade union studies discipline and better serve China's trade union diplomatic efforts.

Director Tao Zhiyong conveyed the spirit of the External Exchange and Cooperation Work Conference of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, and highlighted the importance of theoretical research in the external exchange and cooperation efforts of trade unions in the new era. He believed that CULR's regional and national trade union research aligns with the requirements of external exchange and cooperation work in the new era and can aid in building China's external discourse and narrative system for trade unions.

At the forum, members of CULR's Regional and National Trade Union Research Group delivered detailed reports on the dynamics of trade unions in countries such as the United States, France, Australia, and Germany, as well as case studies of labor rights protection for Chinese enterprises operating overseas under the Belt and Road Initiative. They thoroughly analyzed the historical background, organizational structure, and the roles and impacts of trade unions in various countries within the international trade union movement. They also presented and analyzed two typical cases of Chinese enterprises operating abroad that have protected and upheld workers' rights.

Experts at the forum provided enthusiastic feedback and engaged in discussions on the research team's presentation. They affirmed CULR's 2024 Regional and National Trade Union Research Report and offered constructive comments and recommendations for refining the report. Zheng Haixin, Second-Level Inspector at the International Liaison Department of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, stated that CULR has strengthened its research on the international labor movement, marking the beginning of a new phase. This move is of significant importance for enhancing the adaptability of trade unions in the context of high-level opening-up.

This forum is an annual event organized by CULR to support the core work of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and contribute to China's trade union diplomacy. The forum facilitated discussions on the latest developments in international labor governance, showcased the preliminary research outcomes of CULR's Regional and National Trade Union Research Group, incorporated guiding feedback from both internal and external experts, and explored the conversion of research into practical applications. The aim is to clarify the ideas and directions for the next phase of regional and national trade union research.

(Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Department of Labor Union)