By Ebrima Mbaye, reporting from China

The much-anticipated Seminar for Young Media Professionals from Belt and Road (BRI) Countries officially opened on October 31, 2025, at Zhejiang Normal University, drawing participants from various African countries. The opening ceremony, held at the university’s scenic campus in the historic city of Jinhua, marked the beginning of two enriching weeks of learning, cultural exchange, and media collaboration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Zhu Yifeng, Vice President of Zhejiang Normal University, warmly welcomed the international participants, describing the university as a cradle of education and innovation. He highlighted the institution’s legacy of excellence, global partnerships, and commitment to fostering international cooperation through education and cultural exchange.

Prof. Zhu emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative goes beyond infrastructure and trade. “It is a bridge of people-to-people connectivity, where young media professionals serve as dynamic storytellers and bridge-builders.” Vice President Yifeng said. He encouraged participants to use their platforms to promote understanding, cultural dialogue, and shared progress among BRI nations.

Following the opening, participants shared high expectations for the program, expressing their desire to gain a deeper understanding of China’s media development, digital transformation, and creative industries. They also hoped to explore opportunities for future collaborations and media innovation within the BRI framework.

The seminar’s first session, titled “Understanding China: The Communist Party of China and Chinese Modernization,” was delivered by Prof. Zhu Yifeng, offering participants a contextual overview of China’s governance philosophy and modernization journey.

Later that day, Mr. Xu Xia’en, President of the Jinhua Branch of Zhejiang Daily Press Group, led a practical session on the management and operation of China’s media industry, providing valuable insights into how Chinese media organizations navigate the rapidly evolving information landscape.

Day two featured even more engaging sessions led by seasoned media experts. Mr. Wang Jianbo, a signed columnist for Global Times and the United Nations Postal Administration, discussed “Individual Behavior and National Image in the Era of Social Media.” His presentation inspired a spirited exchange of ideas among participants from The Gambia, Tanzania, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, who reflected on the role of digital platforms in shaping perceptions and narratives across borders.

An international roundtable discussion on “University Media in the New Era” followed, chaired by Associate Professor Liu Xiumin, providing a platform for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and brainstorm on media education reform.

Representing The Gambia, Modou Lamin Sanneh, Secretary General of the MAJaC Students’ Union, and Nelson Manneh, journalist and board member of the Gambia Press Union, proposed an exchange program between the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) and Zhejiang Normal University. The initiative aims to enhance the professional capacity of Gambian journalism students through hands-on exposure to China’s advanced media management and digital innovation systems.

Organizers expressed openness to exploring such partnerships through their International Relations Office. Sanneh emphasized that “cooperation between China and The Gambia is vital for building sustainable media systems and strengthening development communication.”

Following three days of intensive sessions, the participants departed Jinhua for Huzhou, where they will stay until November 6. The itinerary includes visits to several landmark sites such as Yucun Village in Anji, Ping’an Training Base, Taihu Dragon Dream, and the South Taihu New District, all showcasing China’s ecological governance and community-driven development models.

The seminar will continue with a cultural and educational tour of Nanjing, including visits to the Nanjing Museum and Jingling Art Museum, before returning to Jinhua for on-campus media activities and a visit to the world-famous trading hub of Yiwu.

As this seminar progresses, participants continue to explore not only China’s impressive media and cultural landscape but also the spirit of collaboration that defines the Belt and Road Initiative, a vision of shared learning, innovation, and friendship across continents.

Participants of the seminar