The Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD), jointly initiated by two Beijing-based think tanks - the Center for China and Globalization and the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, held a forum in Beijing on July 29. This forum came at the right time when issues of sustainable development, public health, joint fight against the pandemic, scientific innovation, and open world economy are seen as vital by different stakeholders. Africa was represented by three talented young leaders who talked about their aspirations and the general overview of the image of young African leaders in China.

Sumayyah Hosany, a Mauritian surgeon at Pan Health Medical Center in Wenzhou, Joseph Olivier Mendo'o, a Cameroonian co-founder of the China-Africa Youth Federation, and Brett Lyndall Singh, the South African CEO of Omega Healthcare Group, were among the 140 young people from nearly 30 countries.

Learning and growing

These young leaders have different aspirations and see China as a great opportunity for Africans to explore their talents and skills. Hosany said, "China has given me a lot and has shaped the person standing in front of you today, so, for me, volunteering during the pandemic was my way of giving back to the community. And this constantly motivates me to do better and be better."

Mendo'o noted in his presentation that China is an avenue for young Africans not only to learn but also share African views with the Chinese audience. "What drives me is the motivation to contribute to the African community and more specifically, to bring down the clichés and change China's perspective on Africa, and vice versa." This perspective, according to Mendo'o, would enhance the understanding and strengthen the relationship between Africa and China further.

Hosany claims that her engagement in various activities in China has strengthened people-to-people contact. These relationships have inspired and motivated her to do even better in the health sector, more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have participated in a lot of activities till date and the more we are on the ground, the more people-to-people connection we make. There are hundreds of messages I've received, from Chinese and foreigners who were truly moved by what we did. That also strengthens my resolve to keep making a difference that I've set out to make."

Hosany's view is also articulated by Mendo'o who believes that his engagement in China has enabled him to understand various issues that are little known outside China and Africa. "This has enhanced my perspectives on various issues related to China so far."

Local support

Singh admits that he has managed to achieve what he is doing in China because he works with "an amazing team, support system and mentors in each field." Correspondingly, Mendo'o says that he has managed to do what he is doing in China through various volunteering activities, field trips, and research in counties and villages to learn about China from the grassroots and to introduce the African perspective, culture, and particularities.

These views were echoed by Hosany, who contended that different Chinese organizations have been supporting her course to achieve what she is currently undertaking in China. "We have had a lot of support, from our hospital Pan Health Medical Center and the organizations we worked with such as GYLD, the CCG, local government entities, and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries."

Young African leaders see their engagement in various activities in China as a positive element in bringing China and Africa closer. For instance, Mendo'o looks at this at a policy level where some policies need to be spearheaded by young minds. "There is a good thing about learning about each other from a people-to-people perspective. It will be easier to implement various policies and foster mutual understanding, as the youth are the 'torchbearers' of those policies and not just beneficiaries."

On the other hand, young African leaders' involvement in innovation and technology in health and during crisis periods puts them in a position to support African countries. As Singh stated, "Our team's products were recently vetted and placed on the African Union's Africa Medical Supplies Platform, thereby making this technology accessible to all 55 member states."

According to Hosany, her experience in China has enabled her to be an ambassador of Africa to China. "Having studied here, lived here, worked here, I think we have had a deep understanding of China, so, as a young African, I see myself as a bridge, to help my community understand the Chinese community and vice versa."

Creating a legacy

The relationship between China and Africa is still growing but faces challenges ranging from different cultures, ideologies, and both social and technological development. Young leaders believe that it is important to be open-minded and strengthen some of the instruments that can further foster good relations. For instance, Mendo'o advises both the Chinese and African youth to work hard and leave a solid legacy.

"Be open-minded, don't forget your roots, share your culture, and be proud of your culture ... As the head of delegation of African youth in China, and it's the same for any other African young leaders, we work hard to leave a solid legacy that the later generation can work on."

Hosany shared sentiments of Mendo'o by stating that there are no nations in the world that have the exact same characteristics, but friendship is to appreciate the differences between people. "Young people should be the glue that reinforces the friendship in whatever way you can, and be the voice of reason to uproot any misunderstandings that can harm this friendship."

Besides, Singh advises the upcoming young leaders in Africa and China to "find an institutional void in your industry, create a feasible solution, find good KPIs to track your growth, and get started!"

In general, young African leaders view China as a land of "great opportunities" that can help them "grow professionally." In addition, they view China as a place of "rich history and culture" where they can "draw some lessons" to develop their countries. 

(Printed Edition Title: A Place to Fulfill Aspirations) 

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