2025 China-South Africa Series of Science, Technology and People-to-People Exchange Activities Launched in Changsha

On October 21, the 2025 China-South Africa Series of Science, Technology and People-to-People Exchange Activities kicked off in Changsha, Hunan Province. Over 200 participants, including scientists, engineers and youth representatives from both China and South Africa, attended the event, which aims to promote in-depth cooperation between the two sides in technological innovation, talent training and industrial synergy.

With the theme of "Technology Empowers Green Development", the event released achievements in the form of promotional videos. These include the China-South Africa Science, Technology and People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, the 9th "Belt and Road" Youth Maker Camp and Teachers' Seminar, and "Listening to the Science Space": China-South Africa High-Quality Popular Science Resources Sharing.

Tshabo Semaa, head of the delegation from the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, stated that the event focuses on four key areas: dialogues between young scientists, engineer exchanges, youth innovation activities, and sharing of high-quality popular science resources. It will further strengthen the common vision for scientific progress between the two sides. He believes these achievements will continue to make science and technology a bridge connecting the two countries and a driving force for sustainable development.

Cyril O'Connor, Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering and Professor at the University of Cape Town, noted that over the years, the University of Cape Town has collaborated with China National Mining and Metallurgical Technology Group Co., Ltd. and Central South University in mineral processing. All parties have achieved fruitful results through joint research projects and co-published academic achievements.

On the same day, 6 guests including Tan Weihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered keynote speeches. They interpreted the connotation and paths of "Technology Empowers Green Development" from the perspectives of scientific research, engineering and industry, showcased the innovative achievements of the two countries in energy, minerals, agriculture and high-end equipment, and built consensus on addressing global challenges through scientific and technological cooperation. Nearly 40 scientific research and technical talents from China and South Africa also held dialogues on topics such as "Integrating Youth Development with Global Challenges" and "The Accelerating Role of International Scientific Research Projects in Talent Growth".

The event is sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology and co-organized by 7 units including the Hunan Association for Science and Technology and the China International Science and Technology Exchange Center.