The national final of the global Chinese language competition recently captivated audiences at the Mère-Enfant University of Human Sciences in N’Djamena. This significant event, orchestrated by the Chinese Embassy in Chad and co-hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena (UNDJ), served as a vibrant platform to celebrate linguistic talent and foster cultural exchange between the two nations. Its core mission is to champion linguistic excellence and solidify the bonds of friendship connecting China and Chad.

Addressing the attendees, Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized the profound significance of the ceremony, stating it transcended mere academic boundaries. He described the final as “the symbol of a changing world,” an emblem “of a rising youth,” and a testament to Chad’s increasing openness to the global community through knowledge and intercultural dialogue.

President Haggar also paid tribute to the pivotal role young people play in shaping the future, reiterating that investing in education is synonymous with investing in national peace, development, and stability. He eloquently incorporated several Chinese proverbs to illustrate this forward-looking perspective and underscore the importance of transmitting knowledge to future generations.

Through this national “Chinese Bridge” competition final, the University of N’Djamena is actively working to bolster cultural and academic exchanges between Chad and China. It also aims to inspire Chadian students to embrace diverse languages and explore international opportunities.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena. These six years, President Haggar noted, have profoundly transformed the university, ushering in a new chapter in its academic and international narrative. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has evolved beyond a simple language learning center; it has become a vital hub for intercultural dialogue, a meeting point for diverse peoples, a gateway to the world, and an instrument for intellectual and human growth.

Taking the podium, Mr. Wang Xining, the Chinese Ambassador to Chad, highlighted how the opening of this prestigious national competition in Chad brings students together through their shared mastery of the Chinese language. The choice of the University of N’Djamena as the venue further underscores the academic environment’s crucial role in this bilateral rapprochement.

Ambassador Wang Xining underscored the robust cooperation between China and Chad, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth training. He acknowledged the university’s gratitude for the consistent support offered to Chadian students through scholarships, exchange programs, and the various activities of the Confucius Institute. He articulated that learning a foreign language extends beyond mastering words or a culture; it involves constructing bridges between civilizations and preparing a generation equipped for cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

He further stressed that the competition’s theme, “Chinese Bridge,” is not merely a linguistic challenge but, more importantly, a powerful symbol of connection. It represents the ongoing effort to build a cultural and human bridge between China and Chad, fostering deeper mutual understanding.

Ambassador Xining extended his appreciation to the university authorities, including the President, the dedicated teachers, and the diligent students for their efforts. He emphasized that learning Chinese offers young Chadians an invaluable opportunity to broaden their horizons and seize new avenues for personal and professional development.

He concluded by highlighting the indispensable role of cultural exchanges in solidifying the friendship between the two nations. By learning the language, students become active ambassadors of this bilateral relationship, contributing significantly to a closer, shared future.

Looking ahead, the Chinese and Chadian governments are actively working to align China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Chad Connection 2030. This strategic collaboration aims to forge new areas of pragmatic cooperation and inject fresh momentum into the modernization efforts of both countries, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to their respective populations.