On the afternoon of June 16, the "United in Volunteerism • A World Together" – Changning District International Volunteer Services Public Suggestion Solicitation Symposium was held at the Digital Changning Experience Center. More than 20 Chinese and international guests engaged in lively discussions focused on key topics such as localized adaptation services, two‑way collaboration, volunteer competency, and cross‑cultural exchange, offering suggestions for developing international volunteer services in Changning.

The event invited expat residents and friends who work, live, or study in Changning, along with representatives from relevant district departments and subdistricts, to share their thoughts, feelings, and reflections on volunteer work.

During the discussion, international volunteers generally agreed that volunteering helps people feel a sense of connection and belonging, thereby enhancing their personal well‑being. While helping others, they also make more friends in the community, and sometimes even invite colleagues from work to join in. They noted that Changning has built a warm platform for every expat volunteer who is passionate about public welfare, allowing them to deeply feel the vibrant atmosphere of Changning's thriving volunteer service sector. Many expressed their commitment to continuing urban volunteer services, encouraging more international friends and young people to join the cause, and working together to make Changning a benchmark district for international volunteerism.

At the same time, participants also shared their insights and suggestions based on their own life experiences and volunteer stories.

Dr. Ashish Maskay, a Nepalese doctor at United Family Hospital, recipient of the Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award, and a national "Most Beautiful Volunteer," has long been deeply involved in international volunteer work in Changning. He expressed hope that in the future, while expanding outreach channels and building more volunteer platforms accessible to expats, the district could also enrich diversified foreign‑related volunteer programs targeting youth. In addition, he noted that deepening cross‑cultural volunteer exchanges and telling Changning's volunteer stories to the world would also be very meaningful.

Lee Joo‑bin, deputy manager of Korea Ginseng China Corp, suggested adding more information columns on official channels such as WeChat public accounts, regularly publishing various life information and services that expat residents need, including volunteer activities, to make it easier for expats to participate in Changning's events and further enhance the positive image of Changning as an international quality district.

Rud Aurcel Nkou-Douniama, a postgraduate student in international law at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics from the Republic of the Congo, shared his experience of volunteering in welcoming new students and emphasized that cross‑cultural understanding and language communication are key to effective volunteering. "Different regions have vastly different cultural concepts and ways of thinking. In international volunteer work, it is important to respect cultural differences, be sincere with others, and approach tasks with practicality and punctuality," Nkou-Douniama said. He added that language is the bridge for collaboration and communication, and proficiency in language and communication skills are essential guarantees for the smooth execution of volunteer services.

During the event, representatives from relevant district departments and subdistricts responded positively to the suggestions raised and discussed with participants how to better carry out volunteer services. In response to the commonly raised concern about volunteer service channels, a representative of the Hongqiao One‑Stop Service Center for Overseas Talents introduced that information is available at the center's living service desk. Staff can also guide visitors to register through volunteer service mini‑programs to access more platform information. At the same time, the center will continue to conduct needs assessments and further promote precise matching between demand projects and volunteers, while striving to create more cross‑cultural volunteer positions for expat residents.

The event was co‑hosted by the Social Work Department of the CPC Changning Committee, the District Public Suggestions Solicitation Office, and the Hongqiao One‑Stop Service Center for Overseas Talents.

Changning District is one of Shanghai's most internationalized areas. The district is home to about one‑fifth of Shanghai's registered overseas population, hosts 29 consular agencies in Shanghai, roughly one‑third of the city's total, and is home to nearly 6,500 foreign‑funded enterprises, with a cumulative total of 153 regional headquarters and R&D centers. In the process of building Changning into an international quality district, its many international friends have always been an indispensable force, among whom international volunteers have also made their contributions to the district's development and progress.