On the afternoon of September 19, 2026, the forum celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Shanghai Association of Young and Middle-Aged Intellectuals was held at the Shanghai Science Hall. The conference thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the United Front Work of the Communist Party of China in the New Era, reviewed and summarized the achievements and experience of the Association over the past four decades, and explored ways to better support Shanghai’s endeavour to build itself into a great socialist modern international metropolis with global influence. Professor Yan Hongzhong, Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Deputy, President of the SUFE Association of Intellectuals without Party Affiliation and Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, attended the meeting.
The conference noted that the Shanghai Association of Young and Middle-Aged Intellectuals emerged amid favourable trends and forged ahead with pooled efforts, playing an important role in Shanghai’s reform and development. Over the past 40 years, the Association has consistently upheld the correct political orientation, served the overall interests of the country, and cultivated non-Party talents. It acts as a “bridge” uniting intellectuals outside the Party, a “think tank” pooling wisdom to serve the general agenda, and a “broad platform” for non-Party intellectuals to contribute to the new era.
The conference stressed that in accordance with the requirements of the central government and the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, the Association should adhere to the “Four Orientations”, keep the country’s fundamental priorities in mind, and contribute to the economic and social development of China and Shanghai. It should achieve new progress in building consensus, place ideological and political guidance at the forefront, strengthen the study of political theories, and consolidate ideals with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, so that intellectuals will unswervingly follow the Party. It should demonstrate new accomplishments in fulfilling its roles, make long-term investigation and research a special priority, leverage platforms such as the service corps, service stations and service days for non-Party experts, put forward innovative and insightful proposals, and translate professional expertise into tangible outcomes for public good. It should attain new improvements in self-development, take the lead in shouldering political responsibilities, innovate operational mechanisms, care for its members, strengthen communication and organizational coordination, energize the organization, pool strengths and form greater synergy.
Professor Yan Hongzhong remarked that as a representative of the Association’s grassroots branch, he attended the anniversary forum at the Shanghai Science Hall. He learned about the Association’s evolutionary journey from initial exploration to innovative upgrading over 40 years, and gained in-depth insight into its achievements and experience in fulfilling the mission of the united front and supporting economic development. He stated that as a member unit of the Shanghai Association of Young and Middle-Aged Intellectuals, the SUFE Association of Intellectuals without Party Affiliation will base its work on research and education, unite its members, stay committed to their duties, carry out friendship-building activities, forge ahead diligently and perform their responsibilities well, so as to better serve as a bridge linking the Party and government with non-Party intellectuals.
Source | Pujiang Tongzhou
