The national final of the global Chinese language competition recently captivated audiences at the University of Human Sciences of Mère-Enfant in N’Djamena. This significant event, orchestrated by the Embassy of China in Chad and co-hosted by the Confucius Institute of the University of N’Djamena (UNDJ), served as a vibrant platform to celebrate linguistic prowess and foster profound cultural exchanges between the two nations. The competition’s core aim is to champion linguistic excellence and solidify the bonds of friendship between China and Chad.

Addressing the attendees, Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized the profound significance of the ceremony, stating it transcended mere academic pursuits. He characterized the final as a powerful emblem of a world in transformation, a rising generation, and a Chad increasingly open to global engagement through knowledge and intercultural dialogue.

President Haggar also lauded the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future. He eloquently reiterated that investing in education is synonymous with investing in national peace, development, and stability. His vision for the future and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge was further illuminated through the thoughtful inclusion of several Chinese proverbs.

Through the “Bridge to Chinese” national final, the University of N’Djamena is keen on enhancing the cultural and academic interplay between Chad and China. This initiative also actively encourages Chadian students to embrace a broader perspective on languages and seize international opportunities.

President Haggar proudly highlighted that this year marks the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena. These six years have profoundly reshaped the university, ushering in a new chapter in its academic and international narrative. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has evolved beyond a simple language learning center. It has become a dynamic hub for cultural discourse, a convergence point for diverse peoples, an open gateway to the world, and a powerful catalyst for intellectual and human development.

Ambassador Wang Xining of China to Chad underscored the importance of the prestigious competition, which brought students together to demonstrate their mastery of the Chinese language. He noted the choice of the University of N’Djamena as the venue, stressing the academic community’s crucial role in fostering this growing rapprochement.

Ambassador Wang Xining elaborated on the robust cooperative ties between China and Chad, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth training. He conveyed the university’s gratitude for the consistent support extended to Chadian students through scholarships, exchange programs, and the diverse activities of the Confucius Institute. He articulated that learning a foreign language extends beyond mastering words or understanding a culture; it is fundamentally about constructing bridges between civilizations and nurturing a generation equipped for collaboration in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

The Ambassador stressed that the competition’s theme, “Bridge to Chinese,” symbolizes more than a linguistic challenge. It represents a commitment to forging a cultural and human bridge between China and Chad, thereby fostering deeper mutual understanding and appreciation.

He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the university authorities, especially the President, the dedicated teachers for their unwavering commitment, and the students for their diligent efforts. He emphasized that acquiring Chinese language skills offers Chadian youth an invaluable opportunity to engage with the world and unlock new avenues for personal and professional growth.

Ambassador Xining further highlighted the critical role of cultural exchanges in strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. By embracing the language, students naturally become vital ambassadors for this bilateral relationship, contributing significantly to a closer shared future.

In a broader context of bilateral development, the Chinese and Chadian governments are actively collaborating to align China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Chad Connection 2030. This strategic synergy aims to cultivate new spheres of pragmatic cooperation, injecting fresh momentum into the modernization efforts of both nations for the tangible benefit of their respective populations.