On May 6th, the China-Africa Leadership Development Institute of Tsinghua University (CALDI) hosted the visit of China InnoTour for African young scientists to implement the achievements made in the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and promote technological innovation cooperation between China and African countries.

The delegation, jointly invited by the Department of International Cooperation from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, is composed of around 30 technological scientists and professionals from more than 20 African countries. Ambassador Kuang Weilin, former Chinese Ambassador to the African Union, Professor Wang Sunyu, Deputy Director and General Secretary of the International Center for Engineering Education (ICEE), Professor Chen Jin, Director of the Research Center for Technological Innovation，Tsinghua University, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhongguancun, and the Belt and Road Industrial Promotion Association, attended the seminar. The seminar was moderated by Associate Professor Xie Zheping, the General Secretary of the China-Africa Leadership Development Institute (CALDI), Tsinghua University, and the follow-up is reported by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and Xinhua Net.

Associate Professor Xie Zheping welcomed the delegation on behalf of the China-Africa Leadership Development Institute (CALDI), and introduced the development of Tsinghua University and the establishment of CALDI. She said that Tsinghua University attached great importance to the opportunity for cooperation with African countries. CALDI is dedicated to the training of African talents, promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening Sino-African friendship, and contributing to the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambassador Kuang Weilin, former Chinese Ambassador to the African Union, Professor Wang Sunyu, Deputy Director and General Secretary of the International Center for Engineering Education (ICEE), and Professor Chen Jin, Director of the Research Center for Technological Innovation，Tsinghua University, illustrated Sino-African technological innovation cooperation prospects, and held further discussions within an educational framework and the Chinese innovation experience context.

Ambassador Kuang Weilin, former Chinese Ambassador to the African Union, said that as developing countries, China and the African countries are all facing major challenges in terms of sustainable development. The innovation-oriented technological revolution is reshaping a new world economic structure and competitive stage. It is a general consensus that technology has played a key role in promoting globalization. China and the African countries emphasize technological communication and cooperation, and he hoped that the delegation representatives could support a better future for cooperation, and promote mutual prosperity and development.

Professor Wang Sunyu, Deputy Director and General Secretary of the International Center for Engineering Education (ICEE), introduced the commitment of ICEE in engineering education platform building, and its contribution to worldwide engineering education and UN sustainable development goals. He also shared the history of cooperation with Africa through degree programs, training, and MOOCs affiliated with the ICEE.

Professor Chen Jin, Director of the Research Center for Technological Innovation，Tsinghua University, elaborated on the innovation ranking and future development direction of China, and he proposed Holistic Innovation, the emerging paradigm of sustained competitive advantage based on eastern wisdom, which is supported by four core elements of holistic innovation: strategy, totality, openness, and collaborative innovation, which are all interrelated and indispensable.

The perspectives are inspiring. Mohamed James from the Technology Innovation Committee of the President’s Office from the Republic of Sierra Leone said that international engineering education is highly correlated with domestic development. At present, it is more imperative to tap potential by utilizing the carrier, and that an in-depth mixture with education is an inevitable trend for the future. Dr. Gerald Kafaku was intrigued by Chinese technological innovation policy, and had an insightful discussion with Professor Chen Jin. The delegation representatives gathered together their thoughts on African technological development through strategic thinking, foresight and a world vision.

The seminar concluded with the closing speech given by Mr. Wang Meng, the representative from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed gratitude to CALDI for planning and organizing the seminar, and hoped that CALDI could play a greater role in Sino-African sustainable development. The delegation members all applauded CALDI’s work and sought cooperation for further progress.

Contributor: Institute of Education
Editors: Guo Lili, John Olbrich