Think-tanks have played a significant role in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi Jinping echoed these remarks in a recent congratulatory letter to the Belt and Road Studies Network. And, during the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, one of the sub-forums looked at the role of the media and various think-tanks in promoting the massive international project. CGTN's reporter Su Yuting has more.

Sharing Wisdom for Global Development. The theme of the Belt and Road Thematic Forum on Think-Tank Exchanges.

Over 300 delegates from more than 60 countries and regions attended the sidebar event. Among them: several former Chinese and foreign dignitaries. Leaders from well-known think tanks and media organizations were also on-hand, along with senior executives of major enterprises that have participated in BRI projects.

At the opening ceremony, Huang Kunming, head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, delivered a keynote speech. He fully acknowledged the important contributions think tanks and media play in researching and reporting on the BRI, and the joint pursuit of the initiative since the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

HUANG KUNMING HEAD OF PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT, CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE "I think first of all, the Belt and Road has reached a point where it now needs more detailed research work and policy work across the world. What's needed is more policy and more intellectual activities about the initiative and relevant projects."

Shaukat Aziz, former Prime Minister of Pakistan also attended the forum and delivered a speech, he has talked with CGTN on the key points in promoting think-tank cooperation.

SHAUKAT AZIZ FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN "Think tanks like to think, and it analyzed, it researched, and one must always try to see what's coming down the line. Doesn't mean you have to do everything, doesn't mean you have to agree with them, but I think it really opens minds up to the world."

Open dialogue and in-depth exchanges were held around the theme of sharing human wisdom and participating in promoting global development. Many called the meeting a fruitful one, with efforts based on the BRI principles of extensive discussions, joint contributions and shared benefits.

Following the opening ceremony, delegates held talks at two parallel sessions on think tanks and media respectively. They discussed topics on communicating and aligning the BRI's plans, jointly building a system of international rules, promoting an inclusive world economy that shares benefits, and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

JIANG JIANGUO DEPUTY HEAD OF PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT, CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE "We have held a series of activities, namely the launch ceremony of the English and French editions of the book 'The Belt and Road Initiative by President Xi Jinping.' This was made possible by the State Council Information Office of China and China International Publishing Group. The first council meeting of the Belt and Road News Network was organized by People's Daily, the inauguration of the Belt and Road Studies Network was organized by Xinhua News Agency, and the Belt and Road Innovation Forum on 5G+4K Communication, was organized by China Media Group. Two documentaries on the BRI, made by China Media Group and Xinhua News Agency respectively have aired on CCTV Channels One and Four."

Many media representatives and leaders of global enterprises say these intellectual activities have boosted development of the BRI to the point of being an intelligent public product for all.

SU YUTING BEIJING "Belt and Road Studies Network, or BRSN was founded Wednesday. President Xi Jinxing sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting and the BRSN inauguration. With the platforms of academic exchange, cooperation and information sharing, BRI participants will turn ideas into actions, wisdom into ability, and constantly create innovative practices to push Belt and Road international cooperation ahead for solid progress. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."