From September 20 to 23, the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo grandly opened in Dunhuang, Gansu. This culturally significant event, which has attracted widespread attention both domestically and internationally, centered on the theme of "Strengthening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations." It brought together representatives from numerous countries and international organizations, experts, scholars, and leaders of cultural enterprises in Dunhuang to discuss the inheritance of Silk Road civilization and explore cultural cooperation and development. On this high-level, international platform for exchange, language services played an indispensable role in ensuring smooth communication and facilitating cooperation. Upon the official invitation of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, the School of International Education and the Center of International Exchanges (Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs) of Lanzhou Jiaotong University carefully selected and dispatched two outstanding staff members with extensive experience in foreign affairs reception to form a volunteer foreign affairs translation team. The team participated fully in the translation and reception work of the expo, contributing the "Lanzhou Jiaotong University Strength" to the smooth progress of the event.

The foreign affairs translation team dispatched by Lanzhou Jiaotong University undertook critical service missions, primarily providing support to the delegation from the Central Province of Ghana, Africa, and the delegation from the Ministry of Culture of Malaysia (totaling six people). Throughout the four-day expo, the team members remained dedicated to their posts, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and professional service. They successfully completed key tasks such as foreign affairs translation, activity guidance, and itinerary coordination. Whether facilitating discussions between the delegations and relevant departments of Gansu Province, providing guided tours and explanations at cultural exhibitions, or ensuring seamless transitions between various important activities, the team accurately conveyed language expressions and smoothly communicated the needs of both sides. Their efforts effectively ensured the orderly and successful progression of all tasks and activities for the two delegations during the expo, serving as a "linguistic bridge" connecting Chinese and foreign guests.

As a key institution of higher education in Gansu Province, Lanzhou Jiaotong University has long adhered to the educational philosophy of "Serving the Local Community and Contributing to Society," accumulating profound expertise and significant advantages in international exchange cooperation and foreign language talent cultivation. The two volunteer staff members selected for this event are a vivid reflection of the university’s high-quality talent development. They not only possess solid foreign language skills and can accurately express ideas in multiple languages but also have extensive experience in translation for large-scale international events. They are well-versed in foreign affairs reception etiquette and cross-cultural communication techniques.During their service at the expo, despite the high-intensity and demanding tasks, they consistently maintained enthusiastic dedication and fully engaged in all services. In receiving foreign guests, they were proactive, warm, and meticulous, providing thoughtful itinerary guidance and information consultation. During critical sessions such as discussions and cultural exhibition explanations, they demonstrated professional consecutive interpretation and accompanying translation skills, accurately conveying the perspectives and cultural connotations of both sides. They skillfully resolved potential communication barriers arising from cultural differences, ensuring efficient and smooth exchanges. Their rigorous and pragmatic work attitude, coupled with their professional and efficient service standards, fully showcased the positive spirit of Lanzhou Jiaotong University members and earned unanimous recognition and high praise from the staff of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and the foreign guests in attendance. Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Gansu Provincial Committee expressed sincere gratitude for the strong support from Lanzhou Jiaotong University and highly commended the two translators for their "exceptional professional competence and outstanding service capabilities."

The successful participation of Lanzhou Jiaotong University’s foreign affairs translation team in the volunteer services of the 8th Dunhuang Cultural Expo was not accidental. Rather, it represents another successful practice of the university actively responding to the national "Belt and Road" Initiative, deepening university-local cooperation, and serving the cause of local foreign exchanges. By participating in such high-level international events, the university has not only provided teachers and students with a high-quality platform for practical training and skill enhancement but has also strengthened collaborative ties with local government departments. This has laid a solid foundation for better serving Gansu Province’s foreign exchange and cooperation endeavors in the future.

Looking ahead, the School of International Education and the Center of International Exchanges (Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs) of Lanzhou Jiaotong University will continue to fully leverage the university’s advantages in international exchanges and foreign language talent cultivation. They will actively integrate resources, proactively address local needs, and continuously explore new paths and models for university-local cooperation. In doing so, they will contribute more "Lanzhou Jiaotong University Wisdom" and "Lanzhou Jiaotong University Strength" to promoting foreign cultural exchanges in Gansu Province and across the country, as well as to fostering mutual learning among civilizations along the "Belt and Road" countries.