2017 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa
The 2017 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa was held in Lusaka, Zambia on the 17-18th May 2017. The theme of the conference was “Vocational and Technical Training by Confucius Institutes, Cooperation between Confucius Institutes and Chinese-funded Agencies and Local Teacher Training”. The event was hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia and supported by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. The aim of the event was to implement the “Development Plan” of Confucius Institute (2012-2020), exchange experiences to enhance cooperation and promote the development of Confucius Institutes of Africa. Over 240 guests participated in the conference and it included delegates from 54 Confucius Institutes and classrooms from 35 African countries and delegates from Chinese Partner Universities, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zambia, representatives from China-funded organisations and representatives from Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban.
The conference also aimed at fostering cultural cooperation between China and Africa. The Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, his excellence Mr Yang Youming, mentioned that a new chapter of cooperation between China and Africa lies in the ability of Confucius Institutes to bring peoples together through the promotion of language and culture. Confucius Institutes could be true platforms of a win-win cooperation between China and Africa. He also hoped that Confucius Institutes helps promote both the Chinese and African culture. Confucius Institutes have become platforms of cultural exchanges between China and African countries. Ambassador Yang Youming said that Confucius Institutes have become a star performer in cross-culture exchanges between China and other countries. He added that the Confucius Institute is expected to better satisfy local differentiated demands, to focus on the pragmatic application of language and culture, and to continue advancing the friendship and practical cooperation between the two countries.
