On April 20, the 2023 “International Chinese Language Day” was successfully hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia and undertaken by the Confucius Institute of the University of Zambia (CI-UNZA), under the theme of “Chinese Language: Facilitating Dialogues across Civilizations”. Ambassador Du Xiaohui and Professor Anne Sikwibele, Vice-Chancellor of UNZA attended and delivered speeches.

Ambassador Du expressed his heartfelt thanks and high respect to people who have long devoted themselves to Chinese language education and China-Zambia friendship.

Ambassador Du said that the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, advocating that “when it comes to different civilizations, exchange will replace estrangement, mutual learning will replace clashes, and coexistence will replace a sense of superiority”, has provided important guidance for China-Zambia, China-Africa, civilization exchanges and mutual learning. As a bridge of communication between the Chinese and Zambian people, the Chinese language plays an important role in facilitating dialogues between civilizations, promoting people-to-people bonds and achieving common developments. I hope that by learning Chinese, you can unlock Chinese civilization, promote exchanges and mutual learning between China and Africa civilizations, and provide profound spiritual nourishment for building the China-Zambia and China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Professor Sikwibele said that Zambia is the first country in southern Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China and the Zambia-China friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. She thanked China for its long-term support for Zambia’s education and economic and social development. UNZA is willing to work with China to further promote cooperation between the two countries.

The atmosphere at the event site was lively and full of Chinese elements. Teachers and students of the Confucius Institute delivered multiple performances such as martial arts, poetry recitation, the traditional Chinese folk music and dance, and displayed Chinese calligraphy, painting and other works, which won loud applause. The guests actively interacted, spoke Chinese and wrote Chinese characters, experiencing the profound and brilliant Chinese culture and civilization.