Connor Douglas Lee (李康), an American master's student from the College of Ecology and Nature Conservation, BFU, was invited to the launch ceremony of the "International Friendship Ambassadors Experiencing Beijing Services" hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality on November 8. He became one of the first 40 "Beijing International Friendship Ambassadors," a group that includes foreign employees, foreign experts, international students, and foreign journalists.

The "Beijing Friendship Ambassadors Experiencing Beijing Services" activity is a new initiative aimed at advancing Beijing's international service quality and establishing ongoing communication channels with the city's international residents. The program allows ambassadors to join regular experience activities organized by the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office, where they can explore and provide input on the city’s international services. They are also encouraged to share feedback of their life in Beijing with the office anytime.

It is reported that a range of new initiatives in Beijing this year, including setting up a payment service demonstration zone and consultation center at the airport for international guests, becoming China’s first city to allow foreign cardholders to tap for access on urban transit, adding foreign card-enabled POS terminals and ATMs in hotels and major tourist destinations, and launching an upgraded international version of Beijing's website.

"I've lived and worked here for many years and consider Beijing my home," Prescott, Principal of the Canadian International School of Beijing, shared in the ceremony. "The city's international facilities and services keep growing, making it ever more convenient and welcoming for foreigners.”

With words of praise, recommendations, and requests, the voices of the international friendship ambassadors were met with patience and careful documentation.

"You are not merely observers and participants in Beijing’s global progress—you are also essential contributors and advocates. Every suggestion you provide points us toward our next steps for improvement. We are confident that through your active involvement and selfless support, Beijing will grow even more open, inclusive, and globally.” An official from the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office said.

Photo from Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang