On the morning of September 5, 2024, a thematic meeting on China-Africa women's education themed "China and Africa: Join Hands for Women's Empowerment Through Education" was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping and UNESCO's Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls' And Women's Education, attended and addressed the event. The spouses and representatives of 26 African leaders who are in China for the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) were present.
In her address, Peng Liyuan said that China and Africa belong to a community with a shared future. Chinese and African women, through their diligence, wisdom and dedication, have written a remarkable chapter of moving forward with solidarity and cooperation. Peng Liyuan introduced the fruitful achievements made over more than 30 years since the implementation of China's "Spring Bud Project", which has empowered women through education to realize their personal values better. She also highly praised the numerous African women who have realized the value of their lives through education in recent years. Peng Liyuan said that in advancing women's education and moving toward a brighter future, China and Africa shared the same beliefs and goals. The two sides should continue to carry forward the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, work together to promote more equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for girls and women in the world, and jointly contribute to a better world for all.
Marie Khone Faye, wife of the President of Senegal, African co-chair of FOCAC, Angeline Ndayishimiye, wife of the President of Burundi, Constancia Mangue de Obiang, wife of the President of Equatorial Guinea, Mariem Ould Daddah, wife of the President of Mauritania, the rotating Chair of the African Union, Isaura Nyusi, wife of the President of Mozambique, Rachel Ruto, wife of the President of Kenya, among others, on behalf of the African side, delivered speeches. They thanked Peng Liyuan for her outstanding contributions to advancing the education of African girls and women, and praised China's long-standing support and assistance in relevant areas. They also expressed their willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China to help more women create better lives.
Chinese female astronaut Wang Yaping delivered a speech as a representative of outstanding Chinese women.
Peng Liyuan and the African guests enjoyed children's singing and Peking Opera performance, and visited exhibitions showcasing China's traditional culture and achievements in women's education. The guests praised the children's wonderful performances and fine traditional Chinese culture, while highly commending the significant achievements China has made in advancing women's development. The atmosphere at the event was lively and amicable.