China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum 2023 held in Beijing

The China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum 2023 took place in Beijing on September 12. This important event was organized by the Chinese Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Center for Broadcasting to Europe and Asia (Zhenmin Huabao Publishing House) of the Foreign Language Publishing and Distribution Administration of China. The main topic was "Working Together on the Belt and Road Initiative for Human Rights and Development"

Notable guests included Wang Gang, Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee; Wang Guoqing, Vice-Chairman of the China Human Rights Development Foundation; Du Zhanyuan,  Head of the  Department for the Publication and Distribution of Literature in Foreign Languages in China; Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA); Dogdurkiul Kendirbaeva, Executive Director of the International Public Foundation "Roza Otunbaeva Initiative" and others who shared valuable insights in their speeches.

In total, more than 100 participants attended, including experts, scholars, media representatives, and young individuals from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries.

Wang Gang, Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the audience.

In his speech, Wang Gang emphasized that the inaugural China-Central Asia Forum has ushered in a new era of cooperation between China and Central Asia. It has provided clear direction and enriched the substance of this partnership, creating extensive opportunities for collaboration on human rights between China and the nations in this significant region. He underscored the importance of building upon the achievements of the forum, upholding the spirit of cooperation, and jointly making further strides in human rights development in both China and Central Asian countries to benefit our nations and peoples. Wang Gang presented three key suggestions:

1.    To embody the "Silk Road Spirit" and leverage cultural strength for human rights cooperation.

2.    To intensify communication and the exchange of experiences to fully realize the practical potential of human rights cooperation.

3.    To be more inclusive of young people in building the capacity for human rights cooperation.

Du Zhanyuan, Head of the Foreign Language Publishing and Distribution Administration of the People's Republic of China, delivers a speech.

In his address, Du Zhanyuan emphasized that human society continually strives to ensure that everyone can enjoy human rights. The collective efforts of countries worldwide, including China and the Central Asian nations, share this common goal. He underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing the right to development and further promoting the concept of development. Du Zhanyuan also expressed his belief in the need to foster development through cooperation and deepen practical collaboration. He stressed the value of promoting mutual learning among civilizations through equitable dialogue and strengthening people-to-people connections. Looking ahead, the Foreign Language Publication and Dissemination Administration of the People's Republic of China is committed to furthering cooperation with institutions and individuals, including those from Central Asian countries. This commitment aims to bolster humanitarian exchanges, mutual learning, and the ongoing advancement of human rights worldwide.

Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), delivered his remarks via video link.

In his video message, Zhang Ming highlighted that over the past 22 years, the SCO has championed human rights through security and promoted human rights through development. He stated, "We have created a stable and conducive environment for human rights development in the region. The SCO has also made significant contributions to advancing global human rights governance, emphasizing principles of fairness, impartiality, rationality, and inclusiveness" Zhang Ming expressed the SCO's support for regional states, including China and the Central Asian countries, in their commitment to fostering friendly cooperation at various levels, in diverse forms, and across multiple fields. He also conveyed his anticipation for the comprehensive expansion of cooperation between China and Central Asia, as well as the establishment of relevant mechanisms that will yield tangible results. Such developments, he noted, would bring substantial benefits to the peoples of the region and infuse new vitality into the SCO's continued development.

Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), addressed the audience via video link.

According to Kairat Sarybay, since its inception, CICA has primarily focused on fostering interaction and confidence-building measures across five key areas: military policy, addressing new challenges and threats, promoting economic cooperation, safeguarding the environment, and advancing human rights. Concerning human rights, CICA member states are actively involved in a broad spectrum of humanitarian issues, including the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, the development of civil society, fostering dialogues among diverse civilizations, cultures, and regions within Asia, empowering women and girls, advancing science and education, and collaboration through the CICA Youth Committee.

The opening ceremony was moderated by Zuo Feng, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Chinese Foundation for the Development of Human Rights.

The keynote speeches were moderated by Jiang Yonggang, Director of the Center for Broadcasting Europe and Asia (Zhenmin Huabao Publishing House) under the Foreign Language Publishing and Distribution Administration of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

During panel discussions.

The forum also included panel discussions where experts, scholars, media leaders, and youth representatives from China and Central Asia discussed the impact of the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative on the development and progress of human rights. These discussions also touched upon the role of youth in the collaborative construction of the Belt and Road in both expert dialogues and youth dialogues.

During the Forum

The China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and marks the first human rights exchange event with Central Asia. The forum's primary objective is to enhance awareness among Central Asians about the Belt and Road Initiative and to share China's human rights development concepts, methods, and achievements. The organizers anticipate that this event will foster closer connections between the aspirations of the people of China and those of Central Asian countries.

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