On October 21–22, the 23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP 2025) was held at the Shanghai Expo Center, jointly organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Under the theme “Pooling Global Talents for Shared Success,” the event brought together more than 2,600 foreign experts from over 110 countries and regions. State Councilor Shen Yiqin delivered a video address, and President Shan Hongjun of Dalian Maritime University (DMU) was invited to attend the opening ceremony.

As China’s largest and highest-level platform for international talent exchange and cooperation, this year’s conference featured 41 sub-forums and more than 150 exchange activities.DMU, as one of the sub-forum hosts, organized an event themed “Development of the Law of the Sea in the Digital Age.”Over 20 foreign experts and scholars from 10 countries and regions—including Austria, the United Kingdom, Korea, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan—participated in the discussion.The sub-forum was attended by President Shan Hongjun and Gu Xiaohong, Member of the Leading Party Group and Deputy Director-General of the Liaoning Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security, who also serves as Director of the Provincial Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.The session was chaired by Ma Mingfei, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange of DMU.

President Shan Hongjun extended a sincere welcome to all experts and scholars attending the event.He noted that the rapid advancement of digital technologies presents both new challenges and opportunities for global ocean governance.Exploring how digital innovation can empower the high-quality development of maritime rule of law has become a key issue in the field.He expressed hope that the conference would serve as a platform for sharing ideas, breaking barriers, and building consensus to advance the maritime law system.He emphasized that DMU has long been committed to research and talent development in maritime law and governance, and that the university is ready to work hand in hand with domestic and international experts to promote harmonious progress of maritime law in the digital era and to contribute wisdom and strength to building a maritime community with a shared future.

In his address, Deputy Director-General Gu Xiaohong fully affirmed the importance of the event in enhancing high-level talent introduction and high-quality project cooperation.He stated that Liaoning Province will uphold the principle of “openness, inclusiveness, reciprocity and shared benefits,” implement more proactive and effective talent policies, and continue to support the recruitment of foreign professionals for Liaoning’s development.He also expressed hope to join hands with international experts and scholars to open a new chapter in bilateral talent exchange and scientific innovation cooperation.

Following the opening session, the participants held in-depth discussions on six thematic topics: “New Developments in the Law of the Sea,” “The Impact of Marine Technology on the Development of Maritime Law,” “The Interaction between Climate Law and Maritime Law,” “Digital Ocean Governance,” “Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries,” and “Toward Better Ocean Governance and Rule of Law.”Experts shared insights on the challenges and opportunities facing ocean governance in the digital era, clarified future development directions, and contributed new momentum to enhancing global maritime rule of law and promoting sustainable digital connectivity.

Representatives from DMU’s Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and the School of Law also attended the sub-forum.