Chinese solution leads NGO cooperation along Silk Road

"China has once again showed it is among the leaders of the world, thank you China!" said Joseph Kahama, secretary-general of Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association.

He made the remark during the First Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network Forum closing Wednesday in Beijing, where China provided a clear answer on how to enhance public diplomacy between people of different countries along the Silk Road.

"This is a platform for non-governmental cooperation, and NGOs from all member countries now have a better framework and mechanism for cooperation," said Kemreat Viseth, chairman of the Cambodian Civil Society Alliance Forum. He praised Chinese efforts in establishing the Silk Road NGOs cooperation network.

In May 2017, President Xi Jinping announced the launch of the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Its aim is to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between people of different countries, promote common development and build a community of a shared future for humanity, as outlined by President Xi in his congratulatory letter to the forum.

Under the organization of the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network has been established and more than 300 NGOs from over 60 countries have joined.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is not just about trade and construction. It is also about people-to-people friendship, and NGOs can take a crucial part of the communication," said Shahriar Zaman, secretary-general of Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association.

He is very confident that China can lead global NGO cooperation under the framework established during the forum.

Li Yonghui, dean of School of International Relations and Diplomacy in Beijing Foreign Studies University, said China's unique advantage was being able to formulate a long-term plan and a clear design.

"NGOs should consolidate their efforts to make long-term plans and make clear designs. Especially after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese NGOs should form new ideas and propose new plans to play a better leading role in the future," said Li Yong Hui. He believed establishment of the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network was a Chinese solution for global NGO cooperation.

He also gave advice for Chinese NGOs in the development and cooperation with their counterparts in other countries.

"NGOs should seek more cooperation with enterprises, and we should let the public have a better understanding of the role and meaning of NGOs, and encourage the public to participate in their activities. The government should encourage NGOs to play a bigger role in its work and provide guidelines and better management for NGO development," Li said.