The Seventh China-Africa People’s Forum & the Seventh China-Africa Young Leaders Forum took place in Changsha, Hunan province, on July 25. More than 200 political figures and representatives of non-governmental organizations and think tanks from more than 50 African countries attended the event. 

The opening ceremony announced the "Silk Road People to People Connectivity" China-Africa People-to-People Friendship and Partnership Program (2024-26) list of achievements. The Global Volunteering Service and the Education Support Plan for Chinese and African Women Entrepreneurs, initiated by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and the AI Youth Camp Project, jointly launched by BFSU and Alibaba Group, were included on the list. 

Officials from the CVF, CNIE, CVSF and BFSU unveil plaques for the Global Volunteering Service and its special fund. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The Global Volunteering Service and its special fund were inaugurated later that afternoon at the International Volunteer Services Forum, one of a number of sub-forums to be held at the event. They represent significant achievements in China-Africa volunteer exchange and cooperation, marking a new phase of professionalization, standardization and sustainability in China's international volunteer services. 

Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the International Volunteer Services Forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, provided an overview of the Global Volunteering Service. Since 2022, the university has been preparing for the launch of the alliance based on the philosophy of "Global Languages, Global Culture, Global Governance", with the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, he said. 

The service will integrate the functions of platform construction, project incubation, volunteer recruitment, training certification and publicity. It will pool resources from various channels, both domestically and internationally, focusing on science and technology, culture, health, education, youth development and women's and children's issues. Collaborating with other international volunteer service organizations, it will strive to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, Jia added. 

The plaques of the Global Volunteering Service and the Special Fund for Global Volunteering Service. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In October 2022, BFSU formed a special working group on the Global Volunteering Service, conducting thorough research and engaging various government departments, enterprises, universities and social and international organizations. A project incubation base and a working office were set up at the university by the Social Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) to ensure proper guidance for the project. 

The special fund was initiated in June 2023 by BFSU and the China Volunteer Service Foundation (CVSF) to provide stable support for relevant projects. 

The Global Volunteering Service pledges to integrate global resources, establish a complete information network and improve training and support systems to match supply and demand in terms of international volunteer services. By constructing overseas bases, incubating quality projects and offering professional services, the alliance will contribute to achieving the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including an end to poverty and zero hunger.

The forum also announced the "Silk Road People to People Connectivity" Action Plan on International Volunteer Service, jointly launched by the CNIE and the China Volunteer Service Federation (CVF).