A Historic Moment at Harvard
In a groundbreaking moment, Jiang Yurong became the first Chinese woman to deliver a commencement address at Harvard University during the 2025 graduation ceremony. Her speech, titled 'Our Humanity,' focused on the need for global unity in a world often marked by division. Jiang's address resonated with many attendees, drawing both admiration and criticism across social media platforms in the United States and China.
Jiang, a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School with a Master of Public Administration degree, used her platform to emphasize shared humanity over conflict. 'We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go,' she stated during her speech, a line that has been widely quoted and debated in the days following the event.
Reactions and Controversy
The response to Jiang's speech has been polarized. In the United States, some praised her message of unity as a refreshing call for compassion amid global tensions. Others, however, criticized the selection of a Chinese student to represent the graduating class, especially given recent U.S. policies aimed at revoking visas for certain Chinese students, as reported by various news outlets.
In China, reactions have been equally mixed. Some social media users celebrated Jiang's achievement as a point of national pride, while others questioned her alignment with concepts like 'a community with a shared future for mankind,' a phrase associated with Chinese leadership rhetoric. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some users interpreting her speech as promoting specific political ideologies.
The timing of Jiang's address adds another layer of complexity. Delivered just days after reports of intensified U.S. scrutiny on Chinese students, her words have struck a chord with those advocating for cross-cultural understanding, while also fueling debates about academic freedom and international relations.
Broader Implications for Global Dialogue
Jiang's speech also touched on personal anecdotes, such as a laundry machine incident that inspired her reflections on international development, as detailed in Harvard Magazine. 'Harvard wants its students to go and change the world, and you can't change the world without understanding the world,' she remarked, highlighting the importance of empathy in addressing global challenges.
As discussions continue, Jiang Yurong's address serves as a focal point for broader conversations about cultural exchange and the role of international students in shaping discourse at elite institutions. Her call for unity, while divisive, underscores the ongoing need for dialogue in an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world.