Recently, the 14th Conference of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum, themed "China-Africa Governance Experience Exchanges and Chinese Modernization", was held in Kunming, Yunnan. Over a hundred representatives from China and more than 50 African countries gathered together for in-depth discussions on topics such as the development experience of Chinese modernization, the modernization pathways for African countries and China-Africa cooperation in advancing modernization.

At the opening ceremony of the conference, Mr. Zhao Yong, Minister-Counselor of the Department of African Affairs in China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in his speech that China is the world's largest developing country, while Africa is the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries. The two sides have always been a community with a shared future and a community of shared interests for win-win cooperation. China pursues its Two Centenary Goals and Chinese Dream, while Africa advances its Agenda 2063 and African Dream. China steadfastly stands with its African brothers, assisting in enhancing self-development capabilities and accelerating modernization.

His Excellency Elia G. Kaiyamo, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to China, stated that modernization is a complex journey, and each country will follow a distinct path to modernization based on its unique historical, cultural and socio-economic context. Behind these differences lies a shared vision: improving people's livelihoods, eradicating poverty and building a resilient society. China's development is reflected not only in economic growth but also in social equity, institutional reforms and good governance.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to China, H.E. Dan Osman Abdi, stated that Chinese modernization is not only reflected in infrastructure development and economic growth but also emphasizes the coordinated advancement of material progress alongside cultural confidence, social equity and environmental governance. To date, over 80 large-scale infrastructure projects have been successfully implemented in Somalia with China's support. The story of Chinese-type modernization offers Africa valuable lessons: patient planning, investment in talent and persistent commitment to national development goals.

Ye Hailin, President of the China-Africa Institute, stated that China and Africa share an unbreakable bond — one being the largest developing country and the other the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries. Their similar historical experiences and common historical missions have always kept them closely connected. As members of the Global South, China and Africa joining hands to pursue modernization will accumulate momentum for the modernization of the Global South.

This Forum featured four parallel sessions, where participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including "Exchanges and mutual learning of governance experience between China and Africa for a just and equitable modernization", "China and Africa jointly implementing the Global Development Initiative to lead an open and win-win modernization", "Deepening mutual learning among civilizations between China and Africa to advocate a people-centered and inclusive modernization", and "Exchanging sustainable development experiences between China and Africa to promote a modernization of peace, security and ecological friendliness". During the meeting, representatives from China-Africa think tanks adopted “the Kunming Declaration of China-Africa Think Tanks on Jointly Promoting Exchanges of Experience in Modernization”.

It is reported that the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum is a sub-forum under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, aiming to provide suggestions and recommendations for the development cooperation between China and Africa. This Forum was hosted by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, organized by the China-Africa Institute and the Secretariat of the China Top Think Tanks Council of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, co-organized by Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, and assisted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province.