The 2024 FOCAC Summit was grandly held in Beijing from September 4 to 6 in the beautiful season of golden autumn and fruitfulness. The summit is not only another milestone of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, but also a new starting point for both sides to join hands to build a high-level China-Africa community of destiny. A number of African students from Beijing Forestry University have expressed their expectations and feelings about 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.

RAPHAHLA KWENA SIDNEY, (悉尼) – South Africa

The China-Africa collaboration Forum serves as a forum for mutual consultation and communication between China and friendly African nations, as well as a framework for collaboration among developing nations. FOCAC prioritizes people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges in addition to economic collaboration. Greater mutual respect and understanding between Chinese and African communities are fostered through educational scholarships, cultural exchange programs, and youth activities. Fostering cultural variety and intercultural communication, the FOCAC seeks to create enduring connections between the peoples of Africa and China.

I am currently studying a Master’s degree in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Combating at Beijing Forestry University. My research is about Assessing water-saving efficiency and runoff control performance of rainwater harvesting systems in South Africa in context of climate change.

I believe my studies in China will help the African continent in the future in developing green policies through research to combat climate change. This is because China, especially Beijing Forestry University has equipped me with knowledge to face cooperate world and make contribution in making Africa a better continent through Strengthening China-Africa Cooperation.

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.