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.
Promoting People-to-People Connectivity under the BRI (Part III)
Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. In 2024, civil organizations in Beijing, including people’s organizations, social organizations, universities and enterprises, continued to make achievements in people-to-people connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They vigorously pursued cooperation to enhance people’s well-being and strengthened public support for friendship between China and foreign countries.
Engaging in Charitable Activities to Support Vulnerable Groups
Spring Festival Celebration at the ICOSH of Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation
The Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), jointly initiated by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and Pakistani charitable organizations, provides free accommodation to seriously-ill Pakistani patients and their families who have traveled from other parts of the country to Islamabad for medical treatment. It also offers a safe and nurturing environment for disaster-stricken orphans. Since its inception, the ICOSH has hosted 85 seriously-ill patients and supported 18 orphans from Kashmir, disaster-stricken areas, Balochistan, and other regions. In 2024, the ICOSH was awarded as one of the “Case Studies in Asia for SDGs” at the 2nd Asia Philanthropy Forum. Additionally, the foundation has delivered 74 batches of emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza, benefiting 3.26 million people and demonstrating the humanitarian commitment as a Chinese social organization.
Beijing Peaceland Foundation donates solar lighting equipment to Rockland Pre & Primary School
The Beijing-based Peaceland Foundation donated 350 solar devices to impoverished villages and schools in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. This generous gesture has not only effectively fulfilled the basic electricity needs of the local community, but also enabled local children to study at night. The principal of the Rockland Pre & Primary School in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, noted that these devices, while benefiting student families, have also eased the electricity shortages in classrooms and dormitories to a certain extent. The support came at a critical time, and the school expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese social organization coming from afar.
