By Stephen Benjamin
Participants at a China-hosted seminar have pledged to apply lessons in ethnic governance, unity, and inclusive development to drive change in their countries.
The participants made the commitment at the close of the Seminar on Ethnic Policy and Practice for Belt and Road Countries organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
Participants and officials at the just-concluded Seminar on Ethnic Policy and Practice in China. (NAN PHOTO)
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-week programme brought together participants from Nigeria, The Gambia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Sudan, and Ecuador.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr John Makoi Marial, a Director in South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage, said the knowledge acquired during the programme would contribute to stronger institutions, better policymaking and more inclusive development in their respective countries.
“We carry with us not only new knowledge and experiences, but also a renewed commitment to applying what we have learned.
“We are confident that the knowledge gained here will contribute to better policymaking, stronger institutions and more inclusive development in our respective countries,” Marial said.
He described as particularly significant the lessons on promoting national unity while respecting ethnic and cultural diversity.
According to him, China’s experience demonstrates that ethnic, cultural and regional differences can become a source of national strength when supported by inclusive policies, equal opportunities and shared development goals.
Marial said the insights gained during the seminar would be valuable to many developing countries facing challenges related to social cohesion, cultural preservation and economic development.
He also called for deeper cooperation between China and participating countries in education, cultural heritage preservation, tourism, research, vocational training, technology transfer and community development.
Earlier, Director of the Foreign Aid Training Coordination Office, Mr Yang Shengyan, congratulated participants on successfully completing the programme and commended them for their active engagement.
Yang said the seminar provided participants with firsthand exposure to China’s ethnic policy framework, governance practices and approach to ethnic unity.
“I believe that the firsthand insight you gained into China’s ethnic policy framework, governance practice, approach to ethnic unity, and developments in technology and education has been both enlightening and thought-provoking,” he said.
He noted that the programme combined classroom sessions with field visits and cultural exchanges, offering participants practical insights into China’s development experience.
According to him, participants also visited key sites, including the Great Wall, South-Central Minzu University and the Hubei Provincial Museum, as part of efforts to deepen cultural understanding.
“You arrived 14 days ago with curiosity and an open mind. Now you are about to embark on a new chapter carrying with you knowledge, friendship and a broader perspective gained from this unique experience,” Yang said.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Belt and Road partner countries in diplomacy, education, science and technology, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
The seminar, which commenced on June 10, forms part of China’s international development cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting mutual learning, people-to-people exchanges, and stronger partnerships among Belt and Road countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)