The Rutgers Chinese Debate Team competed in the 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational (“Shixin Cup”) and landed the top spot as champions. In addition, team member Tianyu (Edward) Yao, a freshman at the Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Best Debater of the Tournament for his outstanding critical thinking ability and consistently strong performance throughout the event. The Invitational took place in late October, and the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team distinguished itself among twenty university teams from around the world, advancing through every round and ultimately securing the championship with an undefeated record. 
 

Dr. Danielle Falzon, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, provides her reflections on attending the COP30 Conference, the United Nations negotiations on climate change, in Brazil in November. 

"Amidst discontent from countries and accusations of procedural misconduct, the Brazilian presidency of this year’s annual meeting of the United Nations negotiations on climate change (known as the Conference of the Parties or COP)  brought COP 30  to a close on Saturday, November 22nd. The outcomes were reflective of disappointing compromises between some countries that were working to advance climate action and reduce emissions, and others that were doing their best to protect their national interests and ensure the continued burning of fossil fuels."