China, Kenya youth explore innovation and development at Beijing event

A China-Kenya youth dialogue on inclusive innovation and sustainable development is held in Beijing, April 10, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

A China-Kenya youth dialogue on inclusive innovation and sustainable development was held in Beijing on Friday, co-hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF).

Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the event brought together 11 Kenyan youth representatives and their Chinese counterparts.

Participants shared experiences and explored how technology and innovation can advance inclusive development, gender equality and climate action. Discussions also covered sexual and reproductive health, rural revitalization and the inclusion of vulnerable groups such as young people with disabilities.

Stephen Jackson, U.N. resident coordinator in China, highlighted the dynamism and leadership of young people from both countries in his opening remarks.

"I have seen firsthand the energy, creativity and leadership of youth from China and Kenya," he said. "Today, we are bringing these strengths together, building a bridge not only between our two countries, but across the Global South."

Nadia Rasheed, UNFPA representative to China, underscored the central role of young people in shaping solutions. She said the dialogue exemplifies youth-to-youth exchange at its best, bringing together diverse perspectives to co-create practical, inclusive and forward-looking solutions.

"From sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality to digital inclusion and climate action, young people's ideas and leadership are driving meaningful and lasting change," she said.

Zhang Huawei, deputy secretary-general of CYDF, emphasized a shared commitment to youth-led collaboration. "CYDF will continue to serve as a bridge for China-Kenya youth exchanges, a supporter of inclusive innovation and a driver of sustainable development," he said.

He added that CYDF will contribute youthful energy to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building a China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.

Youth representatives from China and Kenya pose for a photo during a dialogue held in Beijing, April 10, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The event also featured two roundtable discussions and three youth project presentations showcasing youth-led initiatives that bridge the urban-rural divide, empower people with disabilities and strengthen population resilience.

The dialogue was supported by the UPower Initiative, a youth leadership and cross-cultural exchange program jointly run by UNFPA China and the Beifang International Education Group.

As part of the initiative, the Kenyan youth delegation will visit several universities across China, engaging with students and academics through lectures and workshops. The 11-day program includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Guangzhou and Wuhan, fostering lasting people-to-people ties between China and Africa.