In the golden season of autumn, the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. This summit is not only another milestone in China-Africa friendship and cooperation, but also a new starting point for the two sides to jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. A number of African students from Beijing Forestry University expressed their expectations and impressions on the FOCAC summit.
ABDUL-KARIM HARUNA (阿卜杜) - Ghana
China-Africa cooperation has evolved into a strategic alliance focused on sustainable development, with sectors like forestry playing a critical role. Forestry is essential to Ghana’s economy, supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, and economic growth. However, challenges such as deforestation and unsustainable practices threaten its sustainability. My specialization in Forestry Economics and Management at Beijing Forestry University (BFU) equips me with the skills to address these challenges effectively.
China’s peaceful rise and commitment to mutual benefit have made it a key partner for African nations. China’s advanced technology and successful reforestation initiatives offer valuable insights for managing Ghana’s forests. By leveraging China’s technological advancements in forest monitoring and data analytics, Ghana can improve its capacity to manage its forest resources sustainably. My education at BFU has provided me with a deep understanding of these technologies and their applications in forestry management.
Additionally, China’s experience in community-based forestry initiatives, where local communities actively manage and benefit from forest resources, can be adapted to the Ghanaian context. This approach aligns with the need to balance conservation with the livelihoods of rural populations. My training at BFU emphasizes the importance of integrating economic analysis with practical management skills, allowing me to contribute to the development of sustainable value chains and community-based forestry initiatives in Ghana.
Moreover, China’s focus on accessible education and international collaboration has broadened my perspective, enabling me to understand the global context of forestry management and its role in sustainable development. As I bring this knowledge back to Ghana, I aim to strengthen China-Africa cooperation by contributing to the sustainable management of Ghana’s forests, supporting rural livelihoods, and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
In conclusion, my specialization in Forestry Economics and Management at BFU positions me to play a crucial role in enhancing Ghana’s forestry sector and strengthening China-Africa relations. By applying the knowledge and skills I've acquired, I can help ensure sustainable management of Ghana's forests, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and international cooperation between China and Africa.
PRECIOUS MATCHUMBUZA (帕茨) - Malawi
Africa is a continent rich in resources, and one of its most significant partnerships is with China through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This collaboration emphasizes mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits. In Malawi, Chinese investments have significantly shaped infrastructure, such as the construction of parliament buildings, roads, and stadiums. The partnership extends beyond trade, creating opportunities in job creation and skills development, particularly in technology and business.
My experiences as a graduate student at Beijing Forestry University (BFU) underscore the importance of this partnership. Pursuing a Master's Degree in Forestry Economics and Management, I gained a comprehensive education that bridged economics, forestry, and agriculture. The program's practical focus, including field trips and industry tours, provided me with insights into China's development strategies, such as the rural revitalization program. A key lesson from the Siduhe village model, where communities and graduates collaborated in chestnut production, was that development begins with empowering people—an approach that resonates deeply with Africa's needs.
My time at BFU also enriched my understanding of Chinese culture and technological advancements. Engaging in cultural exchange programs, learning the Chinese language, and witnessing innovations like online platforms and efficient transport systems emphasized the transformative power of infrastructure and technology. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge to contribute to Malawi’s forestry sector and support the broader Africa-China relationship.
Looking forward, I aim to transition to a role as an assistant lecturer at Malawi’s College of Forestry and become a consultant in Social and Economic Forestry. My goal is to share the knowledge I gained at BFU to protect Malawi’s forestry resources, contribute to national policy discussions, and further promote Africa-China cooperation. By doing so, I hope to strengthen the ties between Africa and China, fostering a future of shared growth, mutual respect, and global collaboration.
KADAFI CHRISTIAN (卡特菲) - Rwanda
As the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation approaches, we are reminded of the profound impact that collaborative efforts between China and Africa can have on global progress. The summit, set to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, highlights the deepening ties and mutual benefits of this partnership. It is an exciting opportunity to celebrate and expand upon the shared vision of growth and development.
As a student at Beijing Forestry University, majoring in Geographical information system , I am particularly enthusiastic about contributing to this dynamic cooperation. My studies focus on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship areas crucial for both China and Africa as they navigate challenges and opportunities in development. By integrating these practices, I aim to support projects that enhance ecological balance and promote sustainable growth.
In the future, I aspire to leverage my expertise to foster stronger China-Africa relations through environmental initiatives.
ADEBAJO DORCAS OLUWASEUN, (杜瑞卡) - Nigeria
China-Africa cooperation is a dynamic partnership that has significantly contributed to Africa's growth, with China playing a crucial role in infrastructure development, trade, and education. As a master's student in Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University, I am well-positioned to leverage the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to strengthen this cooperation, particularly in addressing Nigeria's environmental challenges.
My training in landscape architecture equips me with the expertise to create sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s pressing issues like flooding, urban sprawl, and deforestation. By designing green infrastructure, restoring damaged ecosystems, and promoting sustainable urban planning, I can help improve the quality of life in Nigerian cities. This work aligns with China’s commitment to sustainable development and its significant involvement in infrastructure projects across Africa. By advocating for environmentally friendly technologies and energy-efficient designs in these projects, I can contribute to long-term sustainability, thereby enhancing China-Africa cooperation.
In addition to environmental solutions, I aim to foster tourism and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria. By showcasing Nigeria’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks to Chinese visitors, and promoting Chinese tourist destinations to Nigerians, I can help strengthen the bonds between the two nations. This cultural exchange not only enriches both societies but also supports economic growth through tourism.
Moreover, my experience in China has exposed me to innovative approaches in urban planning and design, which I plan to bring back to Nigeria. By applying these techniques, I can contribute to the development of green spaces, parks, and leisure zones that enhance urban living conditions. This work will not only improve the Nigerian landscape but also reflect the successful integration of Chinese expertise and Nigerian needs, further solidifying the partnership between the two regions.
In conclusion, my specialization in Landscape Architecture and my experiences in China provide me with the tools to address Nigeria’s environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and cultural exchange. By applying these skills, I can contribute to the broader goals of China-Africa cooperation, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that supports the growth and development of both regions.
With more enthusiasm and firm conviction, the African students of Beijing Forestry University are ready to return their knowledge and skills to their respective countries and make their own contributions to the in-depth development of China-Africa cooperation. Whether it is Abdo who is committed to the sustainable management of forest resources, Patz who is actively promoting China-Africa environmental cooperation, or students who focus on forestry, soil and water conservation and desertification control, landscape architecture and other fields, they will become indispensable forces in the new chapter of China-Africa cooperation.
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