The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival kicked off on April 18, bringing together 49 young representatives from 48 African countries to explore Beijing and Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ibrahima Sory Sylla, Senegal's ambassador to China, stated that China and African countries have a combined population of 2.7 billion, of which 1.3 billion are youth under the age of 19. Therefore, both China and African countries should take responsibility for youth education, implement public policies, improve the quality of education, develop vocational skills, empower women and youth, and increase their chances of obtaining decent employment, thereby enhancing social productivity.

He further added that both China and Africa aim to promote the realization of the China-Africa community with a shared future by building a world of peace, justice, solidarity and inclusive development. The China-Africa partnership is a unique model of cooperation based on mutual respect, win-win cooperation and a focus on African needs. "We should steadfastly continue such cooperation to provide more opportunities for the youth of both sides, as the youth represent the future of our cooperation and actions," he added.

Since 2018, the China-Africa Youth Festival has hosted over 300 young people from Africa, becoming an important event for mutual learning, exchange, and cooperation between Chinese and African youth.

The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival kicked off on April 18, bringing together 49 young representatives from 48 African countries to explore Beijing and Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily]