More than 60 experts from China and Africa convene in Shanghai on Friday for a round-table meeting aimed at fostering cooperation to advance modernization. [Photo by Lin Shujuan/chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 60 experts from China and Africa convened in Shanghai on Friday for a round-table meeting aimed at fostering cooperation to advance modernization and cultivate a China-Africa community with a shared future.

The event, jointly organized by the China Economic and Social Council and the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa, sought to bolster the implementation of resolutions from the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. This summit marked a significant milestone by elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic, all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future, with 10 partnership actions for modernization unveiled to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead modernization efforts across the Global South.

In his opening address, Wang Dongfeng, chairman of the council, emphasized the need for unity, cooperation, and mutual exploration of modernization pathways between China and Africa.

"China and Africa are longstanding friendly partners, and the pursuit of modernization is a shared aspiration that both Chinese and African people diligently work towards," Wang said.

The council, a national organization and think tank established in 2001 under the leadership of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, pledged to bolster exchanges with its African counterparts to drive pragmatic cooperation across various sectors, furthering the joint modernization goals of China and Africa, Wang added,

Alfred Tainga Poloko, president of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of Central Africa, echoed Wang's sentiments, underscoring the significance of international collaboration, technological innovation, and progressive policies in fostering sustainable development and advancement for all communities. Poloko lauded China's Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized the critical role of national development programs in Africa.

Poloko also stressed the importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and highlighted the pivotal role of institutions such as economic and social councils in facilitating progress.

Throughout the round-table discussions, experts from both sides shared their perspectives to enhance cooperation, uphold global equity and justice, seize development opportunities, and embrace the fourth industrial revolution in the joint pursuit of modernization in China and Africa. The discussions culminated in a joint declaration outlining commitments towards these shared objectives.