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 ties between China and foreign nations, and supporting Beijing’s development as the national capital in the new era. With an optimized work pattern that ensures higher 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 produced highlights by building stronger synergy for strengthening people-to-people bonds under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges contributed to the capital’s high-quality development, with 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 international exchanges in 2024.
Serving China’s Overall Diplomacy (Part I)
In 2024, Beijing’s social organizations leveraged their strengths to carry out a wide range of people-to-people exchange activities in various forms across different fields. These efforts significantly contributed to the country’s overall diplomacy, yielding fruitful results.
Leveraging the Strengths of the Civil Society to Support Major Diplomatic Initiatives
Centered around key events such as President Xi Jinping’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the BRICS Summit, and the G20 Leaders’ Summit, a series of supporting activities for people-to-people exchanges were organized to foster a positive atmosphere.
Rong Bao Zhai’s Waterprint Woodcut Technique
Beijing Clay Figure Zhang
Four intangible cultural heritage items with distinct Beijing characteristics, including Rong Bao Zhai’s Waterprint Woodcut Technique and Beijing Clay Figure Zhang, were showcased at the intangible cultural heritage exhibition and China-Africa cultural exchange activities of the Seventh China-Africa People’s Forum & the Seventh China-Africa Young Leaders Forum. These exhibits received widespread acclaim from African guests.
A total of 11 Beijing-based international cooperation projects, the largest group in China, were selected for the “Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity: China-Africa People’s Partnership Plan (2024-2026)”. These projects came from ten municipal universities, social organizations, and national industry associations and chambers of commerce in Beijing that have decoupled from administrative organs, including Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing Children’s Legal Aid and Research Center, and China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products. These projects cover key areas such as youth, education, environmental protection, and poverty reduction, contributing Beijing’s civil-society efforts to building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Representatives of faculty and students from the Far Eastern Federal University visit the translation achievement exhibition at Beijing International Studies University (BISU)
Beijing has witnessed steady progress in its practical projects selected for the Thematic Forum on People-to-People Connectivity of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF). Universities such as the BISU and Beijing Film Academy (BFA) have signed MOUs with partners from countries including Russia, Australia, and France, to launch a variety of educational collaboration projects.
A non-governmental ocean-going medical ship under construction by Peaceland Foundation
Embroidery workshop project in Lebanese refugee camps organized by Youth Bridge Foundation
The Dragon Design Foundation rolled out the “Green Haven” project, attracting international organizations and social groups based in Beijing to jointly host public welfare activities in Africa. Meanwhile, the embroidery workshop project in the Lebanese refugee camps organized by the Youth Bridge Foundation achieved significant progress. The ocean-going medical ship built by the Peaceland Foundation is nearing completion.
Representative of China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) speaks at the C20
At the Civil Society 20 (C20) 2024, CANGO shared China’s achievements in fighting against hunger and poverty and the successful experiences of Chinese social organizations in helping Africa to achieve Zero Hunger.
Beijing International Exchange Association attends and addresses the BRICS Civil Forum
As one of the two social organization representatives from China, the Beijing International Exchange Association attended the 2024 BRICS Civil Society Forum. The association presented case studies of how China’s social organizations have been promoting humanity’s common values, vividly illustrating the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.
