The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and Development Reimagined recently convened a high-level seminar in Beijing, titled "Reimagining the Current Global Governance System to Work for Africa and Prospects for China-Africa Cooperation."
The event was a gathering of diplomats from China and Africa, leaders of international organizations, think tank analysts, academic scholars, and nearly 20 media representatives, all united in their quest to explore the transformative potential of China-Africa cooperation within the global governance framework.
The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and Development Reimagined convene a high-level seminar in Beijing, titled "Reimagining the Current Global Governance System to Work for Africa and Prospects for China-Africa Cooperation." (Photo: CCG)
Faten Aggad, executive director of the African Future Policies Hub and former senior advisor to the African Union High Representative on AU-EU negotiations, lauded China's contributions to Africa's development, particularly in the realms of renewable energy and infrastructure. "China's provision of solar panels and the construction of dams for hydroelectric power have been pivotal," Aggad noted.
Ma Jianchun, former Chinese Ambassador to Gambia and former director general of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce, outlined a visionary roadmap for China-Africa cooperation, advocating for China's proactive role in governance reform to bolster Africa's international presence and support the continent's developmental aspirations.
He also highlighted the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as a critical catalyst for Africa's economic progress, enabling it to play a more significant role in global governance and offer a broader market and resource base to the world.
Drawing from his extensive experience in Africa, Gou Haodong, former deputy representative of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, identified areas for improvement in cultural and public diplomacy. He suggested that social media, film, and television could serve as powerful conduits for enhancing mutual understanding and goodwill between the peoples of China and Africa.
During the Q&A segment, GDToday queried the panel on the trajectory of China-Africa relations amid the fluctuations in China-US relations. Gou stressed that China would not coerce any nation into taking sides and would not allow its differences with the US to dictate its cooperation with other countries.
In addition, African participants dissected the continent's developmental needs during the seminar. Aggad emphasized the urgent need for reform in the UN Security Council and international financial structures to ensure substantive African representation.
Lynette Mwende, deputy head of mission at the Kenyan Embassy in Beijing, highlighted that key sectors in Africa, such as industry and agriculture, are vulnerable to climate change and urgently need institutional and mechanism reforms to build a more structured financial system.
Ma proposed that African countries explore new financial solutions within the BRICS cooperation framework and South-South cooperation mechanisms.
Hanan Morsy, deputy executive secretary and chief economist of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, identified three critical pillars for African finance: infrastructure development, institutional system building, and the enhancement of African representation in global governance.
In light of the current low levels of intra-African trade, there is a pressing need for Africa to strengthen its trade capabilities through capacity building and institutional reform, underscored Creck Buyonge Mirito, CEO of the Customs and International Trade Associates Limited and former deputy commissioner for policy and legislation in the Customs Services Department of Kenya Revenue Authority.
Reporter | Lydia Liu, Yang Lin (intern)
Editor | Steven Yuen, Monica Liu, James
