hang Mingzhou, an alumnus of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), was selected to be the first Chinese chairman of International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in 36th IBBY International Congress from Aug. 30 to Sep.1, 2018.

Zhang Mingzhou, who majored in foreign affairs management, became a graduate of SISU in 1991. He then worked in the Department of Asian Affairs in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Children’s Press and Publication Group (CCPPG). Zhang became the first Chinese vice-chairman of IBBY in 2016 and became the first Chinese chairman this time.

As an international non-profit and non-governmental organization, IBBY has official counseling relationship with United Nations Children’s Fund and UNESCO. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953, IBBY is committed to bringing books and children together. Aimed at improving international understanding through quality children’s books, IBBY’s 79 national sections bring writers, painters, librarians, publishers, editors, bookmen, journalists and experts together to improve children’s reading and the educational development around the world.