Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg Hosts Youth Dialogue between Young Diplomats and Wits University Students

On May 8, the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg hosted an event titled "Chinese Modernization and African Development - Youth Dialogue between Chinese Young Diplomats and Wits University Students". Around 50 people were present, including Pan Qingjiang, Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg, Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Jerome September, Dean of Student Affairs, young diplomats form Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in South Africa, student representatives, and journalists.

In his speech, Mr. Pan outlined China's vision, philosophies, and achievements in its modernization drive, hailed China-Africa, China-South Africa relations, and highlighted the significance of youth dialogue in enhancing mutual understanding and learning, given that both China and African countries are jointly pursuing modernization, especially amid the current world fraught with turbulence, uncertainties and challenges. Prof. Lynn Morris thanked the Chinese Consulate General for organizing the dialogue and fostering youth exchanges between the two countries. "Youth represent the future, and exchanges between young people are about jointly envisioning a shared future and turning that vision into reality through cooperation," she said.

Young diplomats and Wits university students engaged in passionate and in-depth discussions on topics such as state governance, innovation-driven development, green economy, poverty alleviation, culture and education, China's zero-tariff policy for Africa, and the role of youth. On the occasion, the participating students also experienced the photography exhibition titled "Youth Vision: Moments in China & South Africa"and a series of Chinese cultural displays and activities.

As one of the events celebrating the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the successful dialogue has further enhanced young people's confidence in and commitment to jointly promoting China-Africa and China-South Africa friendship and cooperation.