Twenty-seven international students from Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) took part in the 2026 China-Africa Youth Dialogue on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations in Beijing on Sept 1, joining over 200 government officials, diplomats, university presidents, young scholars and Confucius Institute directors from China and 41 African countries, both in person and online.

At the event, discussions focused on new opportunities in China-Africa education cooperation and youth talent development, and on how young people can advance mutual learning between civilizations in the digital age.

The BIT participants came from 15 African countries, including Cameroon and Kenya, as well as from countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the discussion.

"As African students in China, we carry the responsibility of building bridges between China and Africa," said a BIT undergraduate from Sierra Leone. "Through cultural exchange, mutual learning in education and open, inclusive dialogue, young people can break down stereotypes. Youth are not only the future builders of China-Africa relations — we are shaping that future right now."

On the sidelines, the students also exchanged views with the representatives of the government authorities, international organizations as well as universities.

BIT consistently places great emphasis on international exchange and cooperation. The university has been actively organizing various international academic and cultural activities for international students in China, aiming to cultivate high-quality talents with a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills. In the future, BIT will continue to support international students in gaining a deeper understanding of China and participating in global governance dialogues, helping the younger generation grow through the exchange of civilizations and progress through win-win cooperation.