China’s Modernization: Path and Implications: A Lecture by Justin Yifu Lin (04.13.26)

Please join us for the 2026 Anthony C. Janetos Memorial Distinguished Lecture with Justin Yifu Lin, Former Chief Economist of the World Bank and Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University. Moderated by Min Ye, Professor of International Relations & Interim Director, Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Boston University.

China’s Modernization: Path and Implications
Monday, April 13, 2026 • 4 to 5:30 PM
Rajan Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering, 610 Commonwealth Avenue

Professor Justin Yifu Lin is a professor and dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics, honorary dean of the National School of Development and honorary dean of the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University. In 1994, he founded the China Center for Economic Research at Peking University (now the National School of Development at Peking University) and served as its director. In 2008, Lin was appointed as the chief economist of the World Bank and senior vice president in charge of development economics, becoming the first person from a developing country to hold this important position. In 2012, after his tenure at the World Bank ended, he returned to Peking University and continued his teaching and research work.

Professor Lin is currently a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of its Economic Committee. He previously served as a counselor of the State Council and vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. He was a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference from the 7th to the 10th terms, deputy director of the Economic Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in the 10th term, a deputy to the 11th National People’s Congress, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of the Economic Committee in the 12th and 13th terms, and member of the expert committee for the 11th and 12th Five-Year Plan, deputy chairman of the expert committee for the 13th,14th and 15th Five-Year Plan.

Lin holds concurrent positions in multiple committees and leading groups related to development policies, agriculture, and poverty reduction at home and abroad. He was elected as a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and a corresponding fellow of the British Academy. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from eleven universities in Britain, France, the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. His major works include more than 20 volumes such as “On China’s Economy,” “Beating the Odds,” “Going Beyond Aid,” “Quest for Prosperity,” “Demystifying the Chinese Economy,” “New Structural Economics,” “Against the Consensus,” “Benti and Changwu,” “Sufficient Information and State-owned Enterprises Reform,” and “The China Miracle.” He has published more than 300 papers in academic journals at home and abroad.