What’s in a name?
Hear from our co-presidents, Ann-Alice Ticha and Ella Xiao, on why we’re named V-BRYGE.
Vanguard: In addition to representing our founding organization Vanguard Think Tank, “Vanguard” signals that want to be at the forefront of connecting like-minded students with aspirations to study China and connecting China with the world. We want to take advantage of the enriching and inspiring studying opportunities and platforms we have as young scholars and create innovative approaches to tackling the problems we face
Better Relations: “Better Relations” symbolizes our other founding organization, “US-China Better Relations Coalition.” We give a nod to this because we want to foster better relations among the great powers of this world to contribute to more peaceful international relations for our generations and those to come.
Youth: We believe that the youth is the key to promoting peace and preventing the decoupling of the current international order. We want to provide an open and free platform for young people to learn and engage in an exchange about current international affairs. This is not only an exchange among students. We also wish to bridge the gap between generations and invite already-established experts in the field to teach and mentor us. As students at colleges and universities, we understand that there is limited capacity in us but we are also more than aware that the future world depends on how we perceive it.
Global: Because we are currently fully based online, we can truly say that we provide a “global” platform and connect anybody who is willing to join. We believe that by holding the conference online, we make sure that this platform is accessible to individuals regardless of their location, ability to travel, or financial status. We believe in equal rights to education.
Exchange: Discussion is at the core of our Conference. We do not shy away from controversial topics but always address them with nuance and from different perspectives. We encourage diversity of ideas as we believe that such an exchange will help all of us grow. In a world where opinions become increasingly polarized, we aim to provide a neutral, friendly, and safe platform where people can voice their opposing ideas respectfully.
VBRYGE and how it is read (v-bridge) represents how the coalition of our two founding organizations aspires to bridge gaps between China and the rest of the world. “Bridging” the two organizations has enhanced our ability to pursue the common goals we share. It is our hope that through such discussion we can help young people find common ground and contribute, at least a little, to creating a more peaceful world.