Students of XXVII Generation of Future Studies had an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, economy and it's Belt and Road Initiative through the special lecture held on November 29, by Katarina Zakic, Institute of International Politics and Economics.After arriving in BOS classroom, filled with sounds of Chinese ambient music that created a suitable welcoming atmosphere, and meeting the lecturer, students embarked on a journey through space and time. Tracing the development of the original Silk Road and its influence on the modern Chinese initiative, they acquired a knowledge of important events in the history of China. The lecturer focused on the BRI and explained why 2/3 of countries in the world want to join the initiative and what are it's greatest projects. She especially aroused their curiosity by illuminating the importance of Xi Jinping's biography on the creation of the BRI. For the president Xi, the loss of power and status of his family and subsequent  moving to Xi'an, the key city on the Silk Road, were a deciding influence.

Through the conversation with Katarina, students showed a special interest in the pros and cons of the BRI and its impact on Serbia. "Why is China investing in Serbia? What's the EU position on the matter?" are some of the questions discussed.

At the end of the lecture, students had an opportunity to see how does China see it's own initiative through the promotional footage of the BRI in Chinese.

The lecture was organized as a part of extra-curricular activities within the BOS Future Studies, a programme of nonformal education. The programme includes multidisciplinary knowledge and skills modules, Alumni2Students mentoring programme, internship programme, final project, and many side activities.