The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Burundi organized an intergenerational dialogue and direct cooperation event for young Chinese and Burundian individuals on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The event focused on the theme "Youth, a driving force in a changing world." It aimed to establish a strategic exchange framework concerning international development issues. The dialogue also sought to highlight the role of new generations in building just global governance.
Ambassador's Vision for Youth
Ambassador of China to Burundi, Zhu Kewei, noted the transformative strength and open-mindedness of new generations in addressing geopolitical tensions, inequalities, and climate change. Mr. Zhu stated that global governance remains a central issue for both China and Burundi. "La gouvernance mondiale demeure un enjeu central pour la Chine et le Burundi, deux pays du Sud global luttant pour un droit équitable au progrès," Ambassador Zhu Kewei said, emphasizing that both countries are part of the Global South striving for equitable progress. He added that increasing unilateralism and flaws in the traditional system necessitate a global reform driven by youth. "Une réforme globale portée directement par les jeunes s’impose aujourd’hui," Mr. Zhu asserted.
Ambassador Zhu Kewei outlined three priority action levers for students and young researchers. He urged journalism students to master digital tools to break prejudices, combat disinformation, and promote the voice of the Global South. For Confucius Institute learners, Mr. Zhu suggested using the Chinese language as an intellectual vector to overcome civilizational barriers. He also encouraged young sinologists to translate strategic concepts, such as "community of shared future," into concrete and accessible values. Ambassador Zhu Kewei reaffirmed the commitment of Chinese diplomacy to support this bilateral partnership.
Burundian Perspective on Cooperation
Zabulon Sindayigaya, Director General for youth economic promotion programs at the Ministry in charge of Youth, stated that Sino-Burundian cooperation addresses major global challenges. Mr. Sindayigaya recalled that the initiative for global governance is based on principles of sovereign equality of states, multilateralism, and respect for international law. He emphasized that diplomacy impacts young people's daily lives by conditioning access to education, employment, and technology. Evode Ndizeye, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, stated that bilateral relations between China and Burundi are based on an old friendship covering infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education. Mr. Ndizeye affirmed that youth are not only heirs to historical ties but also major actors. He stated, "la jeunesse n’est pas seulement l’héritière de ces liens historiques, mais l’actrice majeure appelée à faire entendre les priorités africaines dans le concert des nations" (youth are not only heirs to these historical ties, but major actors called to make African priorities heard in the concert of nations).
Context and Future Commitments
The dialogue was held as part of the broader Sino-African Human and Cultural Exchange Year. Ambassador Zhu Kewei commended the initiatives of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who serves as the African Union's champion for the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. Mr. Zhu reiterated his earlier statement that a global reform driven directly by young people is necessary today, stating, "une réforme globale portée directement par les jeunes s’impose aujourd’hui." The Ambassador emphasized that Chinese diplomacy is committed to supporting this bilateral partnership, which seeks to empower youth in both nations. This commitment aligns with efforts to strengthen cooperation on international development issues and foster a shared future.