"APEC is not just a platform for leaders to gather, but also an important window to send a signal of cooperation and stability to the world."

On May 20, Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center welcomed a special guest. Former Chief of Protocol of the European Union and senior diplomat Thierry Bechetstood at the podium and opened his sharing with these words. The third session of the International Lecture was jointly hosted by the District Foreign Affairs Office and the District Organization Department, and organized by the Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center. The event attracted about a hundred participants from relevant district departments and multilingual volunteers, focusing on "New Diplomatic Trends in the APEC Context."

At the event, Dong Simin, Deputy Director of the General Office of District Government, stated that the continued organization of the International Lecture aims to help district officials and volunteer representatives better understand international developments, broaden their global perspectives, and strengthen their development initiative. Longhua is actively seizing new opportunities for multilateral cooperation under the APEC framework and enhancing its ability to participate in city diplomacy and align with international rules and standards.

Thierry Bechet was fully responsible for the EU's external protocol affairs, including ambassador appointments, high-level visits, and summit organization, and has extensive diplomatic and training experience. Centering on "New Diplomatic Trends in the APEC Context", Mr. Bechet shared from a diplomat's perspective, delivering a thought-provoking and insightful presentation.

Mr. Bechet believes that the most valuable aspect of the APEC meeting is not a joint declaration that requires compromise from many parties, but the fact that leaders are willing to sit together and send a signal of cooperation.

He especially emphasized that Shenzhen hosting the APEC meeting is a vivid practice of city diplomacy. Whether it's smooth traffic during the event, a glass of water handed by a volunteer, or a smile when guiding foreign guests — every detail of service silently tells the story of the city's soft power.

Recalling what he saw in Longhua, he said: "It was incredible this morning. I've never seen anything like that in my life. Kids of maybe 12 11 years old, just a full of confidence themselves. Speaking English like us."

He also noted that the essence of diplomacy lies in communication and persuasion — skills that are equally applicable to corporate cooperation and daily interactions.

Participants remarked that Mr. Bechet, through vivid stories and insightful analysis, made abstract diplomatic principles accessible and provided fresh perspectives applicable to their daily work and international interactions.

Going forward, Longhua District will continue to organize a series of international learning and exchange activities, steadily strengthen its foreign-related service capacity, and provide solid support for higher-level opening-up and the development of Longhua as an internationalized urban district.