7th China-Africa Youth Festival kicks off in Beijing
The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival kicked off in Beijing on April 18. [Photo courtesy of CSCLF]
The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival kicked off in Beijing on April 18, 2023, with the theme "connecting the dreams of youth and forging ahead on a new journey of China-Africa cooperation."
The event has invited 49 African youth delegates currently working in Africa to engage in cultural exchange activities, such as museum tours, cultural events and sightseeing throughout the eight-day festival in Beijing and Shandong province.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the proposed vision for China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation and common development, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. At the opening ceremony, Li Bin, chairwoman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), emphasized that youth are the hope of China-Africa relations and highlighted the festival's role in promoting exchanges between Chinese and African young people.
Liu Yuxi, special representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, said that Chinese and African youths should have full confidence in the bright future of China and Africa, despite the complex and unpredictable international situation. "As long as China and Africa support and help each other, no difficulties will be insurmountable," added Liu.
Emile Rwagasana, deputy chief of staff of the African Union, said in his opening remarks that African and Chinese youth represent both the present and the future. Acknowledging the challenging moments and their consequences for global economic recovery, Rwagasana emphasized the need for China and Africa to deepen practical cooperation, promote green development, uphold equity and justice, and synergize high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
"Our governments should work hand in hand to educate youth about upholding values, working hard and building a peaceful and developed world capable of feeding and protecting its citizens," he added.
On the opening day, nearly 100 Chinese and African youths participated in traditional Chinese cultural activities, such as tea ceremonies, wood art, printing and dyeing, and Peking opera.
As part of the festival, delegates will also visit Shandong province and experience its rich culture. They will explore Daming Lake, climb Mount Taishan, visit the Shandong Sports Training Center, and tour local rural revitalization demonstration areas, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese path to modernization.
This year's festival is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, and the Shandong Provincial People's Government.
