Author: admin

For more than 30 years, eastern DRC has been destabilized by insecurity, primarily caused by armed groups, including the FDLR formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This ongoing insecurity has forced thousands of Congolese, mainly Rwandophones, to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

The refugee crisis, coupled with the DRC government’s failure to address the situation, gave rise to the M23 rebel group.

M23 claims to advocate for the rights of marginalized Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

Since late 2021, M23 has been engaged in armed conflict with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), leading to further displacement and instability in the region.

During an interview with Jeune Afrique, RDB CEO, Jean Guy Afrika, highlighted that investments was asked whether the conflict in eastern DRC, which shares a border with Rwanda, has affected investment in the country.

'I will start with the fact that the situation in the eastern part of DRC has in no way affected the flow of investments in Rwanda,' Afrika said.

'In 2024, the latest data shows we grew our registered investments by 32% to nearly 3.2 billion from a base of about 2.5 billion. That’s a fact, and we could share the data if needed.'

He attributed this resilience to Rwanda’s proactive defensive measures, which have prevented the conflict from spilling into its territory.

Significant investments in the country’s security architecture have created a safe environment, reassuring investors despite the instability caused by the DRC’s refugee crisis and clashes between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).

Afrika highlighted that the regional situation is stabilizing, with the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes merged into a single framework managed by the African Union (AU).

'At some point, the EAC and SADC were involved, but the two were merged and now managed by the AU with the signing of the principles of agreements,' he explained. 'The path forward is much clearer now, and those fears that might have existed are in the past.'

This normalization has further bolstered investor confidence, contributing to a 30% jump in registered investments in 2024 compared to 2023.

The RDB’s success stems from its investor-friendly approach, particularly through its one-stop center, which integrates 24 agencies and offers over 400 services, including licenses and permits.

'The whole idea was to create a seamless experience for the investor,' Afrika noted. 'When you operate in Rwanda, when you open a business, there is predictability in the regulatory environment, sanctity of contracts, and minimal red tape.'

This streamlined system addresses key pain points like land permits, titles, construction permits, electricity, and energy, ensuring a smooth experience.

'Initially, we had to tell our story, but increasingly, investors themselves are telling the story for us,' he added.

Rwanda’s strategic focus on sectors such as real estate, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing has also driven growth.

'We target certain sectors: real estate, agriculture where we try to raise productivity, tourism, and manufacturing, a big sector,' Afrika said.

'Rwanda’s unique selling proposition is becoming increasingly clear: you will have a regulatory environment that is conducive, predictable, and allows you to do business the way you want to do it.'

To support long-term growth, the RDB is tracking company survival rates to identify and address their needs.

Jean Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), stated that the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has not affected investment inflows into Rwanda, highlighting a 32% increase in 2024, with investments reaching nearly $3.2 billion, up from $2.5 billion.

Théophile Niyitegeka

His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed his death in a brief yet moving Facebook post, calling not only for mourning but for celebration.

'He lived a full life, fought a good fight… let’s celebrate his life and his work,” Wanjiku’s post read in part.

Ngũgĩ’s daughter signed off her farewell with the Gikuyu phrase: 'Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!', loosely translated as 'At sunrise and sunset, we are witnesses.' It was a poetic homage to a man whose words lit up dark times and whose legacy will continue to illuminate generations to come.

To celebrate Ngũgĩ’s life is to honour a man who challenged the very foundations of postcolonial thought and reimagined Africa’s literary identity on its own terms.

A pioneer of decolonisation in literature, Ngũgĩ used words as both sword and shield, fighting cultural erasure, linguistic imperialism, and political oppression. He wasn’t just a novelist. He was a defiant wordsmith, a pan-African thinker, and above all, a storyteller who rewrote the African narrative from the inside out.

Born James Ngugi in 1938 in colonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ came of age during the Mau Mau uprising and the brutal suppression that followed. These formative experiences would later shape the raw, politically charged texture of his fiction. His first novel, Weep Not, Child (1964), was the first novel in English published by an East African. It was undeniably a historic achievement at the time.

Yet, even as he wrote in the language of the coloniser, Ngũgĩ’s stories always sought to humanise and dignify Africans. From The River Between (1965) to A Grain of Wheat (1967), he painted a nuanced portrait of a people grappling with the wounds of colonialism and the promises, often broken, of independence.

In the mid-1970s, Ngũgĩ underwent a dramatic ideological transformation. He denounced English as a medium for African literature, arguing that to truly decolonise the African mind, one must write in African languages. In Decolonising the Mind (1986), he described colonial languages as vehicles of alienation and control.

'Language, any language, has a dual character: it is both a means of communication and a carrier of culture,' he wrote.

This marked the start of a literary rebellion. Ngũgĩ adopted his birth name, abandoned English in favour of Gikuyu, and challenged other African writers to do the same. His critics called it idealistic. His supporters called it revolutionary. In truth, it was both, and it would shape African literary debates for decades.

Jailed for his words

In 1977, Ngũgĩ and fellow writer Ngũgĩ wa Mirii staged a Gikuyu-language play, Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), in a rural village. The play transcended mere art; it was an act of political insurgency. It exposed class divisions, land grabbing, and corruption in post-independence Kenya.

The state responded swiftly. Ngũgĩ was arrested and detained without trial in a maximum-security prison. Yet even behind bars, his pen did not rest. On toilet paper, he wrote Devil on the Cross (1980), the first modern novel written in Gikuyu. It was a profound act of cultural defiance, proving that indigenous languages could bear the weight of complex, modern narratives.

Like Petals of Blood, published in 1977, the novel deepened his critique of post-independence disillusionment and foregrounded the lives of Kenya’s working class, particularly how the new elite perpetuated the exploitation of the masses.

Exile and intellectual resistance

After his release, Ngũgĩ faced threats, surveillance, and continued censorship. In 1982, following an attempted coup in Kenya, he went into self-imposed exile, first to Britain, then to the United States, where he taught at universities including Yale and UC Irvine. Though separated from home, he remained deeply connected to the African struggle.

In exile, Ngũgĩ published prolifically. Novels like Matigari (1987) and memoirs like Detained (1981) and Dreams in a Time of War (2010) kept his story, and Kenya’s, alive for a global audience. His essays, especially Moving the Centre and Something Torn and New, advocated for recentring African languages, thought systems, and worldviews in both education and culture.

A visionary for African cultural sovereignty

For Ngũgĩ, literature was never an elite affair. It was a public instrument, a communal mirror. He championed the belief that Africa could never be truly free without linguistic and cultural liberation. His call was not just for African writers to return to African languages, but for education systems to be restructured around them.

He fiercely criticised what he saw as the Western stranglehold on African intellectual life, challenging the dominance of Euro-American publishing industries, curricula, and academic gatekeeping.

Ngũgĩ’s legacy is carved not just into the pages of books, but into the consciousness of a continent. His life asks uncomfortable questions: What is freedom without cultural self-determination? What is education if it divorces children from their heritage? What is literature if it only mirrors the worldview of the oppressor?

He proved that African languages were not relics. They were alive, powerful, and capable of shaping modern identities.

Across generations, young African writers, linguists, and educators continue to engage with Ngũgĩ’s ideas. His novels are taught in schools and universities around the world. His speeches and essays continue to ignite debates on decolonisation, cultural preservation, and the politics of language.

Even in death, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o remains a guide. His is a voice reminding Africa to tell its own story, in its own words.

He may be gone, but his story and his call to decolonise the mind will continue to echo across Africa and the world.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o holds up a copy of Weep Not, Child during a 2015 book signing in Nairobi. Published in 1964, it was the first novel in English by an East African.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Hosting the event for the first time, Rwanda welcomed delegates from over 20 African nations and beyond to discuss the critical role of internal auditing under the conference theme, 'Building Bridges, Inspiring Change.'

Kabera highlighted the engaging discussions, noting that presentations and 'question patting' revealed 'a lot of the challenges and what we are facing in the profession of internal audits,' particularly in navigating technology, emerging risks, and global contexts.

The minister emphasized Rwanda’s reliance on internal auditing as a 'strategic pillar' of its governance model, which has driven the nation’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.

'Internal audit gives organizations, both public and private, the tools to detect inefficiencies, prevent mismanagement, and ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively,' he said. Kabera stressed that Rwanda’s culture of accountability, which demands 'continually ask[ing] ourselves questions on whether we are doing the right thing,' has built strong institutions and sustained public trust.

Reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to the profession, Kabera highlighted investments in institutional capacity, professionalization, and technology adoption.

He praised the Institute of Internal Audit of Rwanda for shaping ethical and innovative practices, adding, 'We are proud to see the growth of the Institute of Internal Audit of Rwanda and its increasing influence.'

He urged other African nations to embed similar support for the profession, stating, 'It is our wish that the spirit of supporting the internal audit profession be embedded across different countries in Africa.'

Addressing the delegates, Kabera called internal auditors 'enablers of change,' with 'a huge responsibility to be ethical in everything you do, to be independent, to advise on strategies for improvement.'

He encouraged embracing technology and data analytics to go 'beyond the teams and team offices' and align with national development strategies. He also urged leaders to 'give [audit] teams the space to speak the truth, the resources to grow, and the permission they deserve.'

The conference’s focus on public sector accountability, geopolitical challenges, and economic inequality reduction aligned with Kabera’s vision of auditors as drivers of sustainable development.

He encouraged delegates to 'use this conference to rethink about the role of the audience and its function in the development of our countries' and to build 'even stronger networks of accountability and innovation.'

Terry Grafenstine, Chairperson of the Global Board of Directors of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), noted that corruption remains a significant challenge in many institutions across Africa and worldwide. She emphasized that internal auditors, by applying best practices, can serve as vital examples of good governance.

Mousa Diakite, a delegate from Benin attending AFIIA 2025, described the conference as an opportunity to share expertise, conduct research, and contribute to advancing good governance and improving audit practices in public and private institutions towards sustainable development.

During AFIIA 2025, a partnership agreement was signed between the Global and African Chief Internal Auditors to strengthen collaboration in promoting the profession both in Africa and internationally.

The AFIIA 2025 conference brought together government officials, the private sector, and internal auditors from various countries.

Godfrey Kabera, Rwanda’s State Minister for National Treasury in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (second right), opened the 11th International Conference of the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA 2025) in Kigali.

The conference brought together delegates from 24 countries.

The conference brought togrther over 1000 participants.

During AFIIA 2025, a partnership agreement was signed between the Global and African Chief Internal Auditors to strengthen collaboration in promoting the profession both in Africa and internationally.

Godfrey Kabera, Rwanda’s State Minister for National Treasury in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning addressed participants of the conference.

Ruth Doreen Mutebe, the Chairperson of the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA) signed the agreement.

IGIHE

Speaking at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the continent’s heads of armed forces emphasized that unity, enhanced coordination, and the sharing of intelligence and expertise will be crucial to neutralizing emerging threats to peace, stability, and cohesion.

Kenyan President William Ruto opened the one-day meeting, noting that insecurity, political strife, and the climate crisis present existential threats to peace and long-term development.

“Across the continent, we face increasingly asymmetrical and transnational threats, from terrorism and armed conflict to cyberattacks and environmental degradation,” Ruto said. “These challenges test the resilience of our institutions and demand that we reimagine our peace and security architecture.”

Kenya is the second African country after Botswana to host the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, which brought together senior policymakers, military leaders, security experts, and bilateral partners to discuss contemporary security challenges and explore lasting solutions.

This year’s conference, held under the theme “Strengthening African Security: Sustaining Unity of Effort,” highlighted the need for cooperation and partnerships to eradicate transnational security threats.

Ruto said Africa’s ability to accelerate development, eliminate poverty, and transform livelihoods largely depends on sustained investments in security and political inclusivity.

“We envision a future in which African states stand together in mutual defense of our sovereignty and values, where our military cooperation is not reactive but proactive and strategic,” he said.

Kenyan President William Ruto opened the one-day meeting, noting that insecurity, political strife, and the climate crisis present existential threats to peace and long-term development.

The conference is taking place against a backdrop of profound shifts in the global security architecture, underlined by strategic competition, evolving technologies, and climate-induced fragility, said Soipan Tuya, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Defense.

According to Tuya, these shifts necessitate the continent to recalibrate its defense apparatus to focus on foresight, resilience, and constructive engagement among disciplined forces.

Charles Muriu Kahariri, chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, said the gathering of African military leaders provides them with a platform to align their strategic objectives and a collective approach to tackling shared threats.

Kahariri also called on African countries to address the underlying political, economic, and social drivers of insecurity on the continent, using military force as a last resort.

Military chiefs from Africa on Wednesday rallied behind the call for solidarity to improve the response to new forms of security threats, including violent extremism, human trafficking, piracy, and disinformation campaigns.

Xinhua

His family announced the news, with his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ expressing their grief on Facebook and calling for a celebration of his life and work.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!” Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ wrote on Facebook, adding that the family spokesperson Nducu Wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon.

Born on January 5, 1938, in Kamiriithu near Limuru, Kiambu County, Ngũgĩ became one of Africa’s most influential writers.

His extensive literary career spanned novels, plays, essays, and poetry that deeply explored Kenya’s colonial and post-colonial realities.

Among his most renowned novels are Weep Not, Child (1964), The River Between (1965), A Grain of Wheat (1967), Petals of Blood (1977), and Wizard of the Crow (2006).

In 1977, his politically charged play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), co-written with Ngũgĩ wa Mirii, resulted in his detention without trial by the Kenyan government. During his imprisonment, he famously wrote Devil on the Cross, his first novel written in his native Gikuyu language.

After his release, Ngũgĩ went into exile, settling in the United States, where he served as a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine. Throughout his career, he focused on themes of language, identity, and the decolonization of culture.

Ngũgĩ’s final published work, Decolonizing Language and Other Revolutionary Ideas (2025), is a collection of essays and poems spanning nearly two decades.

This compilation reflects on the power of mother tongues, education, and the legacies of figures like Nelson Mandela and Chinua Achebe. It underscores Ngũgĩ’s lifelong advocacy for linguistic and cultural liberation.

His last major fictional work was Kenda Muiyuru (The Perfect Nine), a Gikuyu epic longlisted for the 2021 International Booker Prize, further cementing his commitment to writing in indigenous languages.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o leaves behind a legacy carried on by his children and grandchildren, many of whom have become writers, academics, and activists inspired by his groundbreaking work.

IGIHE

The commemoration event took place on May 27, 2025, beginning with a remembrance walk from the company headquarters to the Rutabo mass grave, where more than 60,000 Tutsi victims were tragically dumped.

The walk continued to the Ruhango District Memorial located in Kinazi Sector, at the site of the former Ntongwe Commune offices.

Célestin Nzigiyimana, President of Ibuka in Kinazi Sector, shared with the staff and management the harrowing history of the Tutsi in the area known as Amayaga, spanning Ntongwe and Kinazi Sectors during the genocide.

He explained that the Rutabo mass grave was first excavated in 1992 by Jacques Nsabimana, who was the headmaster of Rutabo Primary School and President of the CDR in Ntongwe Commune.

He added that Nsabimana later ordered many Tutsi to be thrown into the pit he had dug, with the support of the then Mayor of Ntongwe, Kagabo Charles, as well as Burundian refugees residing in the Nyagahama camp.

Placide Twagirumukiza, Social Welfare Officer of Kinazi Sector, emphasized that the genocide devastated Rwanda and must be remembered annually. He praised Kinazi Cassava Plant’s management for observing this solemn moment each year.

He stated, 'We have suffered great tragedies! Imagine, while the residents of Kinazi Sector number fewer than 50,000 today, more than 63,000 people are buried in this memorial site; this is beyond belief. This history must be remembered by all of us, especially the youth, so they take responsibility to prevent such horrors from happening again.'

Alex Van De Langenberg, CEO of Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, said the company feels a deep responsibility to remember, as preserving the history of the genocide is essential to preventing it from being forgotten.

He further reminded his team of their duty to safeguard this history, contribute to remembrance efforts, and cooperate with the government in supporting survivors on their path to rebuilding — the very path Rwanda continues to pursue.

Langenberg also commended the government’s commitment to educating Rwandans, particularly the youth, about the genocide’s history, urging them to condemn and reject such acts to ensure they never recur.

Ann Christin Ishimwe, Head of Sales and Marketing at Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, told IGIHE that the commemoration strengthens their resolve to rebuild in all aspects of their work.

Staff and management of Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd made a “remembrance walk” to the Ruhango Genocide Memorial in Kinazi, where they paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The members of Kinazi staff took part in a walk to the Ruhango District Memorial located in Kinazi.

The employees approach Rutabo mass grave, where bodies of nearly 60,000 Tutsi were dumped.

A moment of silence was also observed in honour of the victims killed at the Rutabo mass grave.

At the Rutabo mass grave, they paid their respects to the victims and laid flowers in their honour.

Kinazi Cassava Plant CEO, Alex Van De Langenberg, stated that Kinazi Cassava Plant will never hesitate to support the positive initiatives the Unity Government plans for Rwandans in their development.

The entire Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd team laid flowers on the grave as a symbol of remembrance.

The CEO of Kinazi Cassava Plant, Alex Van De Langenberg in the company of Nzigiyimana Céléstin, the head of Ibuka in Kinazi.

The Kinazi Sector social welfare officer, Twagirumukiza Placide, commended the factory management for taking the time to participate in the remembrance.

The employees of Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd also took time to move around the memorial site where they learned about the atrocities of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Kinazi.

Twagirumukiza Placide, the Kinazi Sector social welfare officer, received a bouquet of flowers to lay on the memorial site.

The management of Kinazi Cassava Plant also handed over a contribution to the sector leaders to support the ongoing preservation of the Ruhango Memorial.

IGIHE

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Rwanda’s capital has held the second spot, cementing its status as a leading hub for international meetings. Cape Town, South Africa, continues to lead the continent, while Marrakech, Morocco, ranks third in the latest report.

Rwanda also placed third among African countries in the ICCA’s annual rankings, which measure the number of international association meetings held worldwide—an important benchmark within the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

In 2024, Kigali hosted more than 17,000 international delegates attending high-profile events, including the FIA Annual General Assembly, ICANN 80 Policy Forum, the International Network for Government Science Advice Conference (INGSA), and the Africa Food Systems Forum.

Rwanda welcomed over 52,000 delegates in total, generating an estimated $84.8 million in MICE revenue.

The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), the agency mandated to market and promote Rwanda as a premier MICE destination, attributed Kigali’s success to several key factors, including the country’s visa-on-arrival policy for all nationalities, RwandAir’s expanding regional and international network, and the city’s growing portfolio of state-of-the-art venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and Intare Conference Arena.

Kigali’s hospitality sector also continues to flourish, with world-renowned hotel brands like Radisson Blu, Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, One&Only, and Singita already present. New entrants such as Mövenpick and Odalys are expected to enhance the city’s capacity and appeal further.

'We are pleased to see Rwanda and Kigali continue to be recognised among Africa’s leading destinations for association meetings. These results reflect the efforts of various players across the events industry and the confidence international associations place in Rwanda. These rankings inspire us to further enhance our support and offerings for global events,” said Janet Karemera, CEO of the RCB.

Globally, the ICCA rankings saw the United States maintain its lead with 709 qualifying meetings, followed by Italy with 635, and Spain with 536. Europe continues to dominate the top 10, with Germany, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal all featured, alongside Japan and Canada.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, ICCA is a globally recognised authority in the international association meetings industry, offering data, training, and networking platforms to support destinations and professionals worldwide.

The iconic Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) hosts high-profile international meetings.

Radisson Blu hotel is located next to the Kigali Convention Centre.

The BK Arena, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor arena, was opened in 2019.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party Central Committee has continuously promoted socialist cultural-ethical progress, and consolidated and strengthened mainstream values in society. As a result, Chinese people of all ethnic groups have demonstrated a more vigorous spirit and higher morale, with public civility and social ethical standards being remarkably enhanced.

Xi emphasized that on the new journey in the new era, efforts to promote cultural-ethical development must take on a new look with new accomplishments. It is important to make constant efforts to enhance cohesion and forge inner strength with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, strengthen the education campaign on reaffirming ideals and convictions, and extensively apply the core socialist values.

Xi urged greater attention paid to the role of culture in cultivating the people morally, and continuous efforts to enrich the people’s cultural lives and promote well-rounded personal development. It is imperative to take coordinated steps to raise awareness, apply principles, and develop initiatives to advance efforts in both urban and rural areas. It is essential to advance civic morality and make full use of role models so as to further foster healthy social morals.

Xi stressed the need to strengthen organization and leadership, deepen reform and innovation, and broaden social participation to coordinate all parties concerned to combine their efforts to establish a long-term mechanism for advancing cultural-ethical development. The country will promote high-quality cultural and ethical development to provide robust spiritual support for building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation, Xi said.

A national conference to honor champions of cultural and ethical progress was held in Beijing on May 23. Important instructions from Xi were conveyed at the conference. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended and addressed the conference.

Cai noted in his speech that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions are visionary, insightful and profound, and carry immense political, ideological, practical and guiding significance. Therefore they must be earnestly studied, understood and implemented.

Cai noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has given priority to cultural and ethical development, initiating and advancing a series of key efforts in this regard. The important expositions and instructions of General Secretary Xi have offered sound answers to a number of major theoretical and practical questions, deepening the Party’s understanding of the laws governing socialist cultural and ethical progress. They are an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and provide key guidance for ensuring solid work in cultural and ethical advancement.

Cai stressed the need to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, deepen the understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and act on it, and thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on cultural and ethical development.

It is also a must to have a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and of establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly uphold Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the CPC Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership, and gather powerful inner strength from high-quality cultural and ethical development to provide impetus for advancing Chinese modernization.

It is important to enhance theoretical competence, coordinate efforts in public outreach and education, and advance the implementation to further study, promote, and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is essential to understand the features of the times and laws governing the development of cultural-ethical progress, with integrated efforts to foster awareness, put principles into practice, and develop initiatives aimed at promoting cultural-ethical progress. Efforts should be made to coordinate cultural and ethical progress in urban and rural areas, improve the quality and efficiency of building exemplary cities, and enhance social etiquette and civility in rural areas.

Stressing the inspirational and guiding role of advanced figures, Cai said it is necessary to strengthen the promotion of heroes and role models and encourage the society to learn from them, thereby cultivating a positive and uplifting social atmosphere. Efforts should be made to promote cultural prosperity and development and enrich the public’s cultural life, laying a strong foundation for cultural-ethical progress. The leadership of the Party must be strengthened across all aspects and throughout every stage of cultural and ethical development, and the decisions and policies of the CPC Central Committee must be implemented in full and without deviation.

Li Shulei chaired the conference. Shen Yiqin announced the decision on the commendation.

At the conference, awards were presented to representatives of the honorees. Speakers at the event included representatives from the seventh group of national exemplary cities, towns, villages, and entities; the third group of exemplary families and campuses; and the ninth group of national ethical role models.

Xinhua

Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit

WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and the People’s Republic of China, gathered on the occasion of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit on 27 May 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;

ACKNOWLEDGING the long-lasting and deeply-rooted historical and civilizational linkage and economic ties among ASEAN, China and GCC;

RECOGNIZING the close and mutually-beneficial economic collaboration and cooperation among ASEAN, China and GCC;

REAFFIRMING our desire to further promote ASEAN-China-GCC relations, guided by fundamental principles and shared values, norms and commitments, including those enunciated in the United Nations Charter;

UNDERSCORING the importance of regionalism and multilateralism, regional unity and international law in addressing shared challenges, while upholding ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture to foster peace, stability, development and prosperity;

UNDERSCORING the importance of GCC’s critical role to foster peace, security, stability, development, prosperity and dialogue;

APPRECIATING China’s crucial role in promoting peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development in regional and international affairs;

ENDEAVORING to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity, through mutual respect and cooperation between countries and regions to achieve development and progress based on adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, the principles of good neighbourliness, and respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from the threat or use of force, and settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means;

ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of strengthening relations among ASEAN, China and GCC in promoting regional cooperation and economic development in the broader Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern contexts;

RECOGNIZING that ASEAN, China and GCC encompass diverse and complementary economies which create enormous potential, broad prospects and new opportunities for greater cross-sectoral trade, investment and economic collaboration;

RECOGNIZING the increasing importance of fostering closer economic collaboration among our regions, and reiterating our shared commitment to strengthening our partnerships to promote economic and sustainable development;

RECOGNIZING the need to strengthen confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core to protect businesses, consumers worldwide and livelihoods of people in our regions;

REAFFIRMING our resolve to enhance economic resilience and environmental sustainability, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to our peoples and future generations;

ACKNOWLEDGING our joint efforts to promote closer cooperation between ASEAN, China and GCC and China’s vision to build a closer China-ASEAN Community with a shared future and a China-Arab Community with a shared future in the new era;

EXPLORING cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crime, cybercrime, counter-terrorism and extremism;

The Leaders expressed grave concerns over the developments in the Middle East and agreed on the following:

— Condemn all attacks against civilians and call for a durable ceasefire and for all concerned parties to ensure the most effective and efficient access for humanitarian aid, and relief supplies and other basic necessities and essential services, as well as the restoration of electricity and water, and allow the unhindered delivery of fuel, food and medicine throughout Gaza;

— Call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them and to abide by international humanitarian law, particularly the principles and provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949;

— Acknowledge the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on 19 July 2024, which is of the opinion, among others, that the UN, and especially the General Assembly, which requested this opinion, and the Security Council, should consider the precise modalities and further action required to bring to an end as rapidly as possible the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;

— Support the ongoing efforts to release all hostages and those under arbitrary detention;

— Urge all parties concerned to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict with a view to realizing the two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders; in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) and UN General Assembly resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission on New Members to the UN dated 10 May 2024;

— Support the efforts of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, and note the initiatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union towards realizing an independent Palestinian state;

— Recognized Qatar’s mediation efforts to reach ceasefire and facilitate aid delivery and China’s efforts towards Palestinian internal reconciliation, particularly its role in facilitating the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by Palestinian factions in July 2024 in Beijing;

— Welcome the Resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted on 11 December 2024, in which the General Assembly, inter alia, called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and called upon all parties to enable the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to carry out its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, in all areas of operation with full respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

With firm resolve, we pledged to advance the spirit of inclusivity, sustainability, resilience and equal partnership, charting a united and collective path toward a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future.

We hereby:

Economic Integration

1. Decide to foster collaboration that promotes economic prosperity, resilience and sustainable development among ASEAN, China and GCC, based on mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual benefit, and anchored on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability in engaging all interested partners.

2. Commit to enhancing economic cooperation by leveraging the complementarities among ASEAN, China and GCC. Priority will be given to:

(i) Reaffirming the central and indispensable role of the WTO at the core of the rules-based multilateral trading system, which provides a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory and open global trading system;

(ii) Exploring cooperation, including through the priority areas of the Global Development Initiative and various frameworks or initiatives by ASEAN and GCC, to facilitate the attainment of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

(iii) Promoting free trade and welcoming the full conclusion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations, and looking forward to its early signing and entering into force, as well as an early conclusion of the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations;

(iv) Enhancing industrial and supply chain resilience and fostering sustainable trade practices for new economic opportunities in potential areas in emerging and future-oriented industries such as the digital and green economy and technologies;

(v) Exploring the establishment of a regional business council to facilitate dialogue between businesses from ASEAN, China and GCC in supporting enhanced trade and investment flows and the development of regional value chains;

(vi) Exploring regional financial cooperation, including capital markets, and financial technology among others, while empowering micro, small and medium enterprises;

(vii) Exploring cooperation on local currency and cross-border payments;

(viii) Taking coordinated and comprehensive actions to prevent and fight corruption.

Connectivity

3. Enhance connectivity through:

(i) Promoting high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and seamless connectivity, including through the development of logistics corridors and digital platforms;

(ii) Promoting sustainable infrastructure development in supporting interconnected and seamless economic diversification, growth and sustainability;

(iii) Exploring further cooperation to enhance infrastructure development for seamless and efficient connectivity, including recognizing the importance of maintaining and promoting maritime safety and security, given the importance of oceans and seas as key factors in driving growth and prosperity in the respective regions.

Energy Security and Sustainability

4. Acknowledge the global imperative for sustainable resilience and energy transition with the aim to collaborate on:

(i) Working together towards a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and orderly energy transitions in line with the Paris Agreement;

(ii) Supporting global energy market stability and adopting a balanced approach that does not exclude energy sources but instead innovates technologies that enable emissions management and efficient use of all energy sources to facilitate sustainable economic growth for all;

(iii) Working to diversify and secure supply chains globally in line with international best practices, including for critical energy transition minerals, and encourage resource efficiency, while respecting applicable national laws and regulations;

(iv) Recognizing the strategic importance of our cooperation on stable, reliable, and sustainable energy markets to reduce volatility and to enhance the security of energy supply. We recall the urgent need to address climate change and stress the importance of the energy transition;

(v) Exploring new business opportunities, including the development of clean energy;

(vi) Enhancing knowledge exchange and collaboration on renewable energy, clean/green energy, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), biofuel, bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas), low carbon hydrogen, low carbon ammonia, and sustainable fuels, as well as energy efficiency policies, regulatory frameworks, technology and innovations consistent with the national priorities of each country;

(vii) Strengthening training and capacity-building initiatives in areas such as nuclear safety, security and safeguards, reactor technology, nuclear and radioactive waste management, regulatory infrastructure, and civilian nuclear energy development that is guided by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, guidance and international best practices, and advancements in and energy storage technologies to support informed decision-making and policy development for civilian nuclear energy;

(viii) Driving the strategic development of initiatives on hydrogen and ammonia technologies, oil and LNG supply chains and infrastructure, upstream LNG projects, methane abatement and emissions reduction to support both energy security and the transition to cleaner fuels;

(ix) Encouraging private and public sector investments and partnerships in energy infrastructure development, including subsea power cables, and cross-border transmission projects under related initiatives of ASEAN, China and GCC, to advance multilateral power trade for greater regional energy connectivity, resilience, and market integration, including through renewable energy generation and LNG terminals;

(x) Promoting cooperation on environmental sustainability, including climate action, disaster management, biodiversity conservation, monitoring the state of the marine environment, air and soil quality, industrial inspection, and pollution control by leveraging on new technological advancements, the exchange of knowledge, scientific expertise, technology, and training and strengthening multilateralism and climate solidarity;

(xi) Developing joint research and innovation initiatives on emerging technologies such as direct air capture, enhanced geothermal systems, and next-generation solar and wind technologies to support long-term energy sustainability and low-carbon solutions;

(xii) Sharing of knowledge and best practices on green skills development of workforce to support just transition to renewable energy.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

5. Pursue opportunities in digital innovation and technology by:

(i) Exploring a cross-regional framework to promote the digital economy, in areas such as digital trade, e-commerce, digital payment, fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups and data security cooperation;

(ii) Exploring partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, and smart cities development and advanced technological infrastructure;

(iii) Supporting cooperation in the development of digital skills and digital literacy programmes to ensure inclusive participation in the digital age, and promoting platform work with inclusive social protection.

Food and Agriculture

6. Recognize the potential for cooperation in the food and agriculture sector and commit to:

(i) Promoting sustainable agriculture, including through reducing harmful agrochemicals, promoting digitalization, advancing nature-based solutions and fostering public-private partnerships;

(ii) Exploring cooperation in the field of halal food through the exchange of information and sharing of experiences on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s national systems, laws and policies;

(iii) Supporting efforts to strengthen food security, nutrition and distribution, including through enhancing productivity and sustainability efforts, promoting the diversification of food sources, strengthening the quality and variety of food production, and supporting the generation and diffusion of new and sustainable technologies;

(iv) Promoting the trade of food and agricultural products and technologies cooperation.

People-to-People Exchange

7. Foster greater understanding and connectivity among our peoples by:

(i) Promoting high-quality tourism and cross-regional marketing campaigns, including culture and heritage tourism, ecotourism, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions tourism, among other segments, and fostering an exchange of best practices in tourism digitalization and tourism destination management;

(ii) Promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and cultures to advance mutual understanding and friendship as well as respect for diversity and welcoming the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution of International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations;

(iii) Exploring opportunities to enhance mutual understanding and friendship while fostering cultural exchanges through art, music and literature programmes, especially among youth and ethnic groups;

(iv) Strengthening cooperation in education through the exchanges of students and educational personnel, scholarships programmes and joint research initiatives, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

8. Implement the Joint Statement through mutually agreed activities among ASEAN, China and GCC, including through existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN-GCC, China-ASEAN and China-GCC mechanisms.

9. Reaffirm our collective resolve to work hand-in-hand to unlock the full potential of our partnership, and to ensure that our cooperation translates into tangible benefits for our peoples and communities.

10. Welcome the third Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha on 3 October 2024;

11. Note ASEAN’s initiatives on its priority areas, such as:

— ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future;

— ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP);

— The ASEAN Power Grid;

— Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP);

— The Action Plan on Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN.

12. Note GCC’s initiatives on its priority areas, such as:

— The Global Logistics Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 12-14 October 2024;

— The First Global Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 25-26 November 2024;

— United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 2024;

— Sustainable Development Week in Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 2025;

— International Conference in Support of Syria 2025;

— The International Conference on Food Security in Yemen, 27-28 October 2025;

— United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 2026;

— The Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Award for Excellence in Combating Corruption;

— The establishment of the Global Water Organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;

— High-level international conference for peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, to be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, in June 2025;

— Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative.

Xinhua

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed in the letter that the CYP should follow the Party and cultivate qualified builders for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

As International Children’s Day approaches, Xi extended his greetings to children across the country. He said children represent the future force in building a strong nation and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

He urged the CYP to educate and guide its members to become exemplary young people of the new era who love the Party and the country, and are diligent in their studies and well-rounded in their development.

Xi called for creating a favorable environment for the children’s healthy growth.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting of the congress.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organization Department, read out Xi’s letter at the meeting and delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. He urged CYP members to keep Xi’s teachings in mind and stay prepared to contribute to the great cause of building a strong nation and revitalizing the Chinese nation.

Approximately 3,000 people attended the meeting.

Xinhua