This lecture is part of the series “China–Latin America Youth Responding to Global Challenges — 2026 Poverty Alleviation Challenge”, and is jointly organized with the course Exploring Latin America and the Caribbean Countries.
About the Poverty Alleviation Challenge Program
Poverty alleviation is a common challenge for developing countries and a shared challenge for the whole world.
In 2024, the Tsinghua University Latin America Center, the Research Center for China–Latin America Management Studies of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (SEM), and the Center for Global Competence Development at Tsinghua University, in collaboration with Latin American university partners, launched the China–Latin America Youth Responding to Global Challenges — 2024 Poverty Alleviation Challenge Program in China, Brazil, and Chile. The initiative sparked a wave of university-led dialogues on poverty alleviation between China and Latin America.
In November of the same year, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Brazil for the G20 Summit, Tsinghua University and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro signed a cooperation agreement for this program. The agreement was included in the official outcomes of the visit, marking the program as a landmark project for win-win development between China and Latin America.
Building on this foundation, the 2025 Poverty Alleviation Challenge Program, jointly organized by Tsinghua University and its Latin American partners, attracted more than 310 participants from 27 universities and enterprises across four countries. Twelve teams advanced to the cross-national finals held in Chile and Brazil.
The 2026 Poverty Alleviation Challenge Program will further expand innovation based on the 2025 edition, injecting new momentum into global poverty alleviation efforts. Through cross-national team formation, competitions, and field research, it aims to bring together young talents from China and Latin America to explore practical solutions to poverty challenges. Outstanding teams will also have opportunities to travel to Latin America for study and exchange.
If you are eager to contribute new momentum to global poverty alleviation, now is the perfect time to begin.
About the Course “Exploring Latin America and the Caribbean Countries”
In 2018, the Tsinghua University Latin America Center was established in Santiago, Chile. As Tsinghua’s key platform for engagement in Latin America, the Center supports the University’s mission of cultivating global competence and promotes academic research, cultural exchange, and technological cooperation with countries in the region.
In the Spring Semester of 2026, the Exploring Latin America and the Caribbean Countries lecture series consists of seven sessions. Chinese speakers include Professor Li Ziying from Beijing Foreign Studies University, among others. International speakers include: Flavia Zacconi from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Paula Carvalho from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, INCT-PPED, Enrique Dussel Peters from National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Jhon Beens from Central University of Venezuela.
These scholars will deliver lectures on key topics related to Latin America’s development, governance, and global engagement.
Event Information
Time: May 7, 2026 (Thursday), 19:00–22:00 (Beijing Time)
Format: Online & Offline
Offline Venue: Room A101, Jianhua Building, Tsinghua University
Online Platform: Zoom
Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85135883460?pwd=VtbrAxj4w7FaqvyWScLKyZ9b9Hkv3U.1
Meeting ID: 851 3588 3460
Passcode: 870684
Students enrolled in the course Exploring Latin America and the Caribbean Countries and participants of the 2026 Poverty Alleviation Challenge Program are required to attend in person. Other interested participants are welcome to join.
Lecture Content
The lecture consists of two sessions:
Session I
Delivered by Professor Chen Taotao, Professor of Finance at Tsinghua SEM, Director of the Tsinghua University Latin America Center, and Director of the Center for China–Latin America Management Studies.
She will provide a systematic overview of China’s poverty alleviation experience, connecting it with global development issues and discussing its relevance and potential applications in Latin America.
Session II
Focusing on Latin American practices, Flavia Zacconi, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, will present on the theme:
“Innovation that Matters: from Scientific Discovery to Societal Transformation”
She will explore how interdisciplinary innovation can bridge scientific research and societal needs, particularly in fields such as healthcare and materials science, contributing to public well-being and sustainable development.
This lecture offers a valuable interdisciplinary and cross-regional platform for those interested in global poverty reduction and social development.
Keynote Speaker
CHEN Taotao
Professor of Finance, Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management
Director, Tsinghua University Latin America Center
Director, Center for China–Latin America Management Studies
Dra. Flavia Zacconi
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina, 2009. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.Her research program focuses on inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary studies. The research conducted by Prof. Zacconi’s group centers on the development (rational design, chemical synthesis, and biological evaluation) of bioactive molecules involved in the human blood coagulation cascade; the synthesis of small molecules used in supercritical fluid methodologies; and the development of innovative materials for magnetic resonance imaging.Design, development, synthesis, and biological evaluation of bioactive molecules involved in the blood coagulation cascade (Factor Xa); synthesis of small molecules used in supercritical fluid chemistry (SC-CO₂); and development of innovative materials for MRI.
