On Thursday, a photography exhibition showcasing the achievements of China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was held on Thursday in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
Organized jointly by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Xinhua News Agency, the event was attended by government officials, UN representatives, business executives, diplomats, scholars, and others. It featured historical images captured over the years that showcase the positive outcomes of China-Africa collaboration.
Titled “Lens of Xinhua, Images of the Century,” the exhibition spans various historical periods of development and reform in China, focusing on a series of major events through the perspective of journalism and social change and reflects the impressive 75-year journey of China’s development.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan noted that the exhibition aimed to “reflect on history, contemplate the future, showcase China, and inspire the world.” She said since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country—now the second-largest economy in the world—has achieved remarkable developmental milestones that have garnered global attention. She described this rise as a magnificent chapter of progress and significant social practice.
“We are delighted that Xinhua’s journalists have recorded these invaluable historical moments through their lenses. Today, we see over one hundred photographs which are arranged along the thread of “the world, the people and the country”, and structured around seven themes including “Prosperity for All,” “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains,” “China’s Grace and Glory,” capturing the essence of China’s 75-year development,” said the Ambassador.
“As we explore the photographs exhibited today, let us seek answers from China’s development trajectory, draw wisdom from the enduring friendship between China and Africa, and forge confidence through our cooperation blueprint,” she added.
The exhibition features 105 selected photographs by Xinhua News Agency, reflecting the lives of people and the economic and social changes they have experienced.
According to Ambassador Guo, the images also epitomize the path of Chinese modernization, resonate with the shared aspirations of the Global South for sustainable development and improved livelihoods, and closely align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
While underscoring China’s commitment to building strong and beneficial partnerships with countries in the Global South, Guo reiterated that cooperation for shared development and a community with a shared future is the irreversible trend of our time, and that there is no room for “isolationism and closed-door policies,” which she said are destined to fail.
The envoy stated that China will continue to uphold the principles of equality, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation, advocate “true multilateralism,” and firmly defend the international system centred on the United Nations. She noted that in doing so, China will assist the world in addressing humanity’s major challenges relating to peace, development, security, and governance, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Speaking during the event, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Zainab Bangura, expressed her fascination with the exhibition, describing it as both intriguing and engaging because it tells a story of a journey.
“It also demonstrates where there is determination and commitment, what can be achieved. For me, that’s what is very important. Coming from a third world country, you know, you see that there is hope, you can really move. If you have the spirit, the determination and the commitment to make a difference. And that’s what it is about,” she said.
She added that China’s success story is relatable, easy to follow, and can particularly be emulated by nations in Africa that face similar challenges to those that China overcame on its path to significant development.
“You see the transition; they move from underdevelopment to development. So it’s very interesting because when we talk about the SDG, it’s about leaving no one behind. It’s how many people they have taken out from that journey and make sure to be able to have a life,” she said.
Mr. Yuan Bingzhong, the Deputy Director of Xinhua News Agency, commented that the exhibition is a vivid and compelling showcase of the People’s Republic of China’s remarkable journey in sustainable development since its founding in 1949.
“This exhibition is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a powerful reflection of history, told through the lens of those who have witnessed it firsthand. Xinhua journalists, both as storytellers and witnesses of history, have captured defining moments of China’s development,” he said.
Beyond documenting the past, Yuan noted that the images showcased also serve to inspire and foster understanding and cooperation among nations. He remarked on having witnessed firsthand the flourishing cooperation and deep bonds between China and Africa, stating that Xinhua will continue to strengthen its partnerships with the United Nations and African countries, particularly in the spirit of Global South cooperation.
“This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, foster mutual understanding, and nurture lasting friendships. Xinhua is committed to documenting China’s development while also sharing the inspiring stories of Africa’s progress and the enduring China-Africa friendship,” he said.
He highlighted the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is also featured in the exhibition. He noted that the railway has brought significant benefits to local communities and has contributed to Kenya’s economic growth.
“We hope to deepen our exchanges with all of you and, together, contribute to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.
