Editor’s Note:

As the seasons change and a new year unfolds, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges is poised to enter a new phase. Looking back at 2024, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Beijing’s people-to-people diplomatic endeavors remained closely aligned with the overarching goals of serving China’s overall diplomacy, strengthening people-to-people connectivity between China and foreign nations, and supporting Beijing’s development as the national capital in the new era. With an optimized work pattern and steadily improving efficiency, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges has made significant progress, yielding notable highlights.

In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges achieved significant outcomes through more proactive and effective measures in serving the overall diplomatic endeavors of the Party and the country.

In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges showcased unique characteristics, fueled by stronger synergy in promoting people-to-people connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges contributed to the capital’s high-quality development, marked by steady progress and breakthroughs in foreign exchanges across key areas.

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights of Beijing’s people-to-people diplomacy in 2024.

Serving China’s Overall Diplomacy (Part II)

In 2024, Beijing’s social organizations leveraged their strengths and actively carried out a wide range of people-to-people exchanges in various fields and forms. These efforts significantly contributed to the country’s overall diplomacy, yielding fruitful results.

Telling China’s Stories Well to the World through Active Participation in Global Governance

Social organizations and other non-governmental entities in Beijing have made their voice heard at the UN meetings, demonstrating deep participation in global governance. By the end of 2024, a total of 24 non-governmental entities in Beijing had obtained Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), ranking first in China.

China’s side event during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29)

Nearly 20 social organizations and national industrial associations decoupled from administrative bodies in Beijing were present at the COP29, representing about a quarter of domestic social organizations. During the conference, multiple organizations, such as the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Global Environmental Institute (GEI), All-China Environment Federation, and China Meteorological Service Association, hosted thematic side events. They shared China’s experience and innovation in addressing climate change as well as the fruitful achievements of China’s civil society in advancing the country’s dual carbon goals.

Beijing Guangming Charity Foundation attends the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)

Additionally, the Beijing Guangming Charity Foundation participated in the CSW68, introducing China’s achievements and experience in women’s philanthropy. Nine organizations, including the Beijing Global Talent Exchange Association, Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges, Beijing Crafts Council, and New Sunshine Charity Foundation, attended and addressed online or offline the 55th, 56th and 57th editions of the Human Rights Council (HRC). With vivid practices and detailed cases, they promoted to the world China’s advanced concepts and outstanding achievements in respecting and safeguarding human rights, gaining understanding and support from the international community.

Beijing Global Talent Exchange Association delivers a speech at the 56th edition of the HRC

Moreover, the China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) and three other social organizations attended the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference (2024 UNCSC). During the conference, they promoted China’s initiatives and achievements in protecting the rights of children and adolescents and leveraging the role of social organizations in this regard, thereby offering valuable insights for solving global issues. The Secretary General of CANGO was also elected as a member of the Intergenerational and Youth Subcommittee, making him the only Chinese national on the committee.

A thematic side event titled “Shaping a Better Future for Our Next Generation” held by Chinese social organizations during the 2024 UNCSC

Social organizations like the Beijing Yuanmeng Foundation also hosted several thematic side events while participating in the Summit of the Future 2024. These events showcased the role of China’s civil society in promoting the reform and sustainable development of the global governance system and received positive feedback.

A thematic side event held by Chinese social organizations during the Summit of the Future