“What is youth? Youth is the source of energy and power for progress, creativity and innovation in economies and social development as well as cultural traditions, and above all the foundations of the society of futures.”

These words, spoken by Kalyanee Juggoo, a member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Private Secretary of Republic of Mauritius, emphasized the theme of exchange and cooperation present at the second annual China-Africa Young Leaders’ Forum in Beijing on June 18-19.

More than 50 young delegates from 38 African countries and China shared their perspectives on these topics at the two-day forum, covering different aspects of the relationship between China and Africa.

The forum showed that Chinese and African youths could play a large role in promoting friendly relations and cooperation through person-to-person exchange.

In general, the delegates from African countries spoke very highly of China’s assistance for the development of Africa.

Chinese assistance for the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, as well as Chinese medical teams and the young Chinese volunteers in Africa are all vivid examples of China's selfless assistance to the continent.

One speaker form Cote d’lvoire emphasized the importance of sincerity and respecting each other’s values while building a lasting friendship.

Andy Boatile, a Youth Council Chairperson of the Botswana Democratic Party, expressed his appreciation for this opportunity to meet and talk directly with Chinese youth, and more importantly, to see the real China in person. “I hope to hold the next forum in my country of Botswana,” he said.

According to Zhou Changkui, Secretary of the Central Committee of the China Communist Youth League, more than 350 young volunteers have worked in African countries during the last three years, most of them dedicated to health, medicine, education and technical areas, which are the most needed areas of expertise in these countries. These young volunteers bridge the cultural gap in the interest of strengthening China-Africa ties, he said.

Dai Jingang, one of the first volunteers from China to work in Ethiopia, said he has special feelings for Africa and Ethiopia in particular. In an interview with China.org.cn, he said, “Volunteering represents a spirit of unselfish dedication. I have only been in Ethiopia for half a year, but I have established strong friendship with the local people. I believe our sincerity and ability to help them solve their problems has contributed the most in establishing our friendship.”

The forum’s Africa-China Youth Dialogue, which held three sessions based on different themes, has yielded abundant results. On one hand, young people can better understand each other through face-to-face conversations; on the other hand, some specific suggestions were raised during discussion, including establishing a China-Africa Youth Foundation, setting up a standing committee or follow-up mechanism for the forum, and encouraging the African news media to set up direct branches in China.

“We need to establish a mechanism, under which we can maintain regular dialogue among young people in China and African countries,” said Stephen Bwansa, a representative for the Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Démocratie (PPRD) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who is based in Beijing.

Cooperation among youth will serve to enhance the overall interests of China-Africa relations, with the youth forum as an important platform for collective dialogue between China and African countries.

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