The Institute for Shipboard Education’s Forum on Global Engagement kicked off with its largest group of participants and an enlightening discussion on the interdependent relationship between the U.S. and China by The Boeing Company chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney.

“It’s absolutely critical to the strength and stability of the world economy that its two largest participants — the United States and China — maintain a strong, productive, healthy relationship,” McNerney told a packed audience during Day 1 of the four-day voyage.

For the next several days, relations between these two global powerhouses — economic, political, social — will dominate talks and discussions among business leaders, educators, politicians and supporters of global education.

“I think it’s fitting that this Forum is a voyage given China’s history as a seafaring nation and Semester at Sea’s mission as a voyage of discovery, exchange, and interrelationships,” McNerney said.

ISE President Les McCabe told participants that the Forum is “just one manifestation of our mission.” As the leader in global comparative education, Semester at Sea brings people together, McCabe said.

And during a time of economic crisis and growth throughout the world, “now more than ever it’s important to educate the future global citizens of the world. As a global leader… we face significant challenges,” he noted. “Semester at Sea wants to be a solution to those challenges to produce the future scholars, leaders, and people who will provide those solutions.”