Abstract:
Riara University celebrates its appointment as the China Research Deputy Director Organization “Belt & Road” African Studies Alliance for a term of 5 years starting October 2018 to October 2023 as well as the appointment of Prof. Abel Kinoti as the Vice Chairman of the “Belt and Road” African Studies Alliance during the Inaugural Conference of the International Association for African Studies whose theme was, “African Industrialization and China”.
The conference also launched the First Session of Academic Seminar that was held at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Institute of African Studies, Guangzhou, China. The main goal of this conference was to initiate the establishment of an International Association for African Studies. Riara University was among the 33 institutes globally that was invited to join the association as a co-initiator to promote the foundation of an interdisciplinary international exchange platform, where all stakeholders are able to share resources, explore knowledge, disseminate technology and enhance understanding.
The Alliance shall fully implement thoughts, proposed by President Xi Jinping, regarding China – Africa relation in the new era. Upholding the principles of Consultation, Contribution, and Shared Benefits, the Alliance shall fully implement the outcomes of 2018 Beijing summit of FOCAC. Integrating the “Belt and Road Initiative”, Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as development strategies of African countries, the Alliance shall provide abundant opportunities and effective platforms for Africa’s revitalization, and promote China – Africa cooperation.
The Alliance shall focus on policy research, scientific research and application in the field of industrial promotion, facility connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity enhancement, health and hygiene, cultural exchanges, safety and security, etc., so as to establish a closer community of common destiny between China and Africa, and further promote China – Africa cooperation.