WORKING TOGETHER FOR PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONNECTIVITY AND RESULT-ORIENTED IMPLEMENTATION ABOUT THE THEMATIC FORUM ON PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONNECTIVITY OF THE SECOND BELT AND ROAD FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

WEI DANDAN

CW Correspondent

O n 25 April 2019, guests from around the world gathered together in the blossoming season of spring for the Thematic Forum on People-to-People Connectivity of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held at China National Convention Center. This event, one of the 12 thematic forums,was organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and co-organized by 17 other ministries including the Office of the Central Guidance Commission for Building Spiritual Civilizations and the National Development and Reform Commission.It attracted 130 plus international guests from 61 countries of five continents.

President Xi Jinping has stressed that closer people-to-people ties represent an important element of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as a popular and cultural foundation. With “Working Together for Better Lives: People-to-People Connectivity and Cooperation”as the theme, the thematic forum took stock of achievements of Belt and Road cooperation in people-to-people connectivity and charted the course for the future. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech entitled Working Together to promote People-to-People Connectivity and Create a Bright Future. The event,with people-centered development as the focus, comprised a keynote address,thematic speeches, panel discussions,story sharing and the project launching ceremony. Participants compared notes with each other on non-governmental exchanges, people-to-people ties and cooperation on public welfare projects,and discussed the way forward to a brighter future. This widely-supported and widely-attended thematic forum centered around people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation. It drew the wisdom of all sides, showcased cooperation highlights, and represented the common aspiration. As Wang Yajun, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at the press briefing, the Thematic Forum on People-to-People Connectivity, an integral part of the BRF, warmed up, created sound atmosphere and formed solid popular support for the the BRF.

REMARKABLE PROGRESS BASED ON RICH PRACTICES

Since the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) was first put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, efforts to build closer ties among the people have witnessed steady progress manifested in greater support from the people and improved mechanisms. These efforts have made unique contribution to Belt and Road cooperation, and have been highly acclaimed by governments and stakeholders around the world. Participants think this thematic forum builds on past practices. Concerted efforts of all sides over the years particularly since the first BRF have strengthened bonds among the people and delivered extensive benefits to the people. China will go down this road.

The Thematic Forum on Peopleto-people Connectivity of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing National Convention Centre on April 25th, 2019. The picture shows the scene of the forum.

First, a general framework for peopleto-people connectivity has been established. We have taken a step-by-step approach in formulating, improving and executing programs and action plans for people-to-people connectivity following the top-level guidance. The goals,road maps and timetable for closer people-to-people exchanges and nongovernmental engagements have been set up, providing institutional guarantee for the effective and sustainable progress in the right direction.

Second, priority areas of people-topeople connectivity have been identified. Areas close to people's heart and their material and cultural needs have been highlighted, including exchanges among political parties, education,health, culture, agriculture, tourism and charity. The five cooperation priorities are policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond.On infrastructure, the key lies in building the Six Corridors (namely China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor,New Eurasia Land Bridge Economic Corridor, China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor, China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor), railways, highways, waterways, airways, pipelines and information highways across multiple countries and important seaports. People's hearts are joined by physical connectivity.

Third, a number of exchanges networks and working mechanism have been set up. Political parties, social organizations, the media, think tanks,scholars and ordinary people can all promote people-to-people exchanges.A number of networks and platforms for exchanges have been established in multiple countries. We have, for example, institutionalized and held the China-Africa People's Forum for five times,turning it into an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and African people. The membership of the Silk Road Think Tank Association has been extended to cover all major Belt and Road partner countries, regions and think tanks. Lu Ban Workshop and Friends of Silk Road have become flagship programs. These networks and platforms have attracted people of different countries and greatly enhanced mutual understanding.

Forth, early harvests and outcomes have been achieved. With the work on people-to-people ties rolling out, a series of livelihood projects have been implemented. For instance, public welfare programs have been introduced in multiple countries to perform free surgeries for patients with cataract and pediatric congenital heart disease, and to dig water wells for fresh water supply.Nearly 200 projects and activities have been carried out by the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network, an organization comprising 310 Chinese and international civil society organizations from 69 countries. Education and training programs like the Silk Road Scholarship Plan and the Plan for Young Sinologists have removed cultural barriers. These projects have brought tangible benefits to people in relevant countries and enhanced their friendship with the Chinese people.

REACHING CONSENSUS AND ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

The BRI is a symphony linking the past with the present performed by China and the rest of the world. It is not only about material cooperation but also heart-to-heart connection. It requires both the “hard” support of business cooperation and the “soft” boost of people-to-people bonds. This is the common understanding of participants and represents the aspirations of people in partner countries. Dynamic peopleto-people and cultural exchanges and communication serve as the foundation for Belt and Road cooperation. Participants believe, to navigate through centenary changes, rising instabilities and mounting uncertainties, countries should take the initiative to cope with risks and challenges. It is more important than ever to bolster confidence,enhance solidarity and warm up people's hearts. Delegates from home and abroad had an in-depth exchange of minds and reached extensive consensus on how to advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity featuring shared responsibility, shared benefits and shared destiny through geographical links, people-topeople ties and cultural exchanges.

As Minister Song Tao stated in his keynote address, the BRI is a key platform for advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and also an important mechanism for rising above common challenges and tackling the governance deficit, trust deficit, peace deficit and development deficit. To this end, we need to promote quality cooperation for the Belt and Road Initiative, with a special focus on fostering closer people-to-people bonds. Our practice in the past six years has taught us that, winning people's support is the most important political imperative and people-to-people bond is the most profound, enduring and fundamental form of connectivity.First, we should promote the blending of cultures through exchanges and mutual learning. Second, we should promote the sharing of responsibility with an open and inclusive mind. Third,we should upgrade cooperation in a pioneering spirit. Forth, we should put people first and pursue shared benefits.We have every reason to believe that under the guidance of leaders of both China and Belt and Road partner countries, as long as we uphold the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit and take solid steps with firm conviction, the Belt and Road Initiative in general and its people-topeople connectivity in particular will be more fruitful and deliver more benefits to peoples in all partner countries and around the world.

Filipe Nyusi, President of the Mozambique Liberation Front and President of Mozambique, Aleksandar Vu?i?, President of the Serbian Progressive Party and President of Serbia, Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counselor of Myanmar, and Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, made thematic speeches at the event. Nyusi spoke highly of the BRI proposed by President Xi Jinping. He thought it had its roots in the Ancient Silk Road, applauded BRI's concepts and propositions like people-centered development and harmonious coexistence, and looked forward to more cooperation outcomes between China and Africa within the BRI framework. Vu?i? expressed the desire of Serbia to elevate Serbia-China cooperation and particularly to deepen its people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation with China, as closer interactions among the people could enhance mutual understanding. Aung San Suu Kyi said true friendship is built on the basis of mutual trust and mutual understanding. People in China and Myanmar enjoy long-standing friendship. Belt and Road cooperation is an integral part of the overall Myanmar-China cooperation. She hoped to elevate the friendly relations between Myanmar and China to a new height. Chui Sai On said, Macao has seized the opportunities presented by the BRI to deepen people-topeople and cultural exchanges, develop Macao as a tourism and leisure destination, and leverage returned overseas Chinese, so that Macao could become a major bridge and platform for exchanges among people in Belt and Road partner countries.

Launching ceremony of the “Silk Road Community Building Initiative”.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CLOSER COOPERATION

Delegates expressed opinions and contributed suggestions in their speeches and interviews. They all looked forward to closer ties among the people and more cooperation. A total of 18 speakers in two panel discussions from different countries and different fields shared their insights.

First, building bridges for mutual learning among civilizations. Countries along the Belt and Road have different ethnic groups, religions, histories, national conditions, cultures and customs.The diversity of civilizations makes the world a colorful place. According to Miguel ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé,High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, if we look back at the Ancient Silk Road, we will see the spirit of inclusiveness and openness, which has connected countries in Eurasia, promoted exchanges of different cultures, religions and civilizations,and facilitated prosperity and progress of mankind. Madhav Kumar Nepal,Member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of Nepal Communist Party and former Prime Minister of Nepal, recognized the achievements of people-to-people connectivity in enhancing exchanges of countries and civilizations in Asia, Africa and Europe and in developing Nepal-China relations. Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister of Italy, said, constructive dialogue between all levels and across all sectors of our societies of our people will be critical if we want not only to sustain this relationship but also to defend it against misconceptions, fears and racism.

Second, building diverse mechanisms for people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Such exchanges help people of different countries and regions better understand each other, which can lead to cultural inclusiveness, value recognition and political mutual trust. As more stakeholders get involved and cooperation grows in depth and width, the bond of people will only be stronger. As Henry Tang Ying-yen, Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority of Hong Kong SAR,put it, culture and art are languages that need no translation. Culture and art exchanges within the BRI framework can strengthen friendship that transcends language barriers. Yao Ming,Chairman of Chinese Basketball Association, believed in the power of sports in changing the world. He said basketball matches could give the youth a taste of different cultures and facilitate mutual understanding. Yeidckol Polevnsky,President of the National Regeneration Movement of Mexico, wished to see more scholarships for Latin American students to study in China and more books about Chinese history and culture translated into Spanish so that people there could better understand China.

Third, promoting cooperation that truly benefit the people. Only practical programs with a clear focus and tangible results can encourage people of various groups and classes in partner countries to participate, and increase their sense of gain. Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, expressed the willingness of her organization to cooperate with China in carrying out projects on children's education, nutrition, health, drinking water supply and skill training. According to Qu Dongyu,Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC, China is going to step up trade facilitation and quality standardization, strengthen agricultural infrastructure to cope with natural disasters, and mitigate the climate change in cooperation with other Belt and Road countries. Dong Mingzhu, Chairperson of the Board of Gree Electric Appliances Inc., said, as a representative of Chinese manufacturers, Gree will seize the opportunities of the BRI and help improve the life quality for all through innovation and R&D. Song Hailiang, President of China Communications Construction Company Ltd., stressed the company's involvement in building roads, bridges and cities in partner countries, its talent training and charity work.

EMBRACING THE FUTURE THROUGH HEART-TO-HEART CONNECTION

What impressed and surprised the delegates the most was the story sharing session, where ordinary people from Laos, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Colombia,Ukraine and France shared with the audience true moving stories about Belt and Road cooperation.

It was about how our hearts beat together along the Belt and Road.Speakers shared with the audience how the Chinese medical team of the Belt and Road Medical Aid Program of the Red Cross Society of China treated and saved children with congenital heart disease in Afghanistan and how a pregnant patient with severe mitral valve stenosis had been saved thanks to China's advanced medical technology.Kontos Eleftherios, Secretary General of the Walk World Wide Federation,and a representative from the World Tourism Cities Federation reviewed their bond with China and their efforts in strengthening tourism, cultural and sports exchanges between Europe, Latin America and China. Chinese volunteer representatives shared their teaching experience in African slums to help local children find dreams and embrace the future through education.

It was about how different cultures interacted with one another along the Belt and Road. Sharing their stories were two young men from Ukraine and France who came to China for Kung Fu and eventually became Kung Fu masters and ambassadors for Chinese culture. A video released by the Confucius Institute Headquarters showed how Confucius Institutes and Confucius classes had become a key platform for the world to better understand China.An acupuncturist from Iran shared his story of curing a painter with multiple sclerosis with acupuncture and moxibustion and of combining Chinese medicine with Persian medicine. The bilingual chorus of Jasmine Flower in both Chinese and Lao and Shaolin Kung Fu performed by a young Chinese monk and international practitioners demonstrated the beauty of cultural exchanges and won warm applause.

It was also about how our lives got better as happiness was strewn along the Belt and Road. An album of 58 pictures drawn by students from Nonping Village Primary School together with a letter was presented to President Xi Jinping as a gift for the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Laos diplomatic relation. Staff of Nam Phay Hydropower Station, a China-Lao joint venture, a primary school headmaster,volunteers and students showcased how the hydropower station had brought changes to the local economy and society. The audience was touched by the love story in a thermal power station in Indonesia built by China. Train attendants of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway told stories about Chinese companies valuing harmonious co-existence between men and nature and sharing responsibilities with the locals. A video showed how Chinese staff saved a trapped young elephant in Africa.

As President Xi Jinping stated in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second BRF, going ahead, we should focus on priorities and project execution, move forward with resultsoriented implementation, just like an architect refining the blueprint, and jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. At the Thematic Forum, representatives touched upon both concepts and concrete projects,had a thorough exchange of views, and reached common understanding. The event was concluded with the launch ceremony of the Silk Road Community Building Initiative. This initiative plans to help establish 500 cooperation relationship among social organizations in Belt and Road partner countries in the coming two years, and to conduct 200 public welfare projects in developing countries. Minister Song Tao, Filipe Nyusi, Leader of FRELIMO Party and President of Mozambique, George A. Papandreou, President of the Socialist International and former Prime Minister of Greece, Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Madhav Kumar Nepal,Member of the Secretariat, Central Committee of Nepal Communist Party and former Prime Minister of Nepal, Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, and Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister of Italy launched the Silk Road Community Building Initiative by touching the crystal ball.

As a Chinese proverb goes, “Only friendship built on sincerity can endure.” At a new starting point, the BRI will open a new chapter of land-sea connectivity that links the past with the present. As efforts to build closer ties among the people further substantiate and produce more outcomes, more colorful strokes will be added to the grand painting of the BRI.