The national final of the global Chinese language competition, an initiative spearheaded by the Chinese Embassy in Chad and co-organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena (UNDJ), recently celebrated linguistic talent and cultural exchange between the two nations. This significant event unfolded at the N’Djamena Mother-Child University of Human Sciences, with the core aim of fostering linguistic excellence and solidifying the bonds of friendship between China and Chad.

During his address, Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized that this ceremony transcended mere academic pursuits. He described the final as a profound “symbol of a changing world” and a testament to “a rising youth” and a Chad increasingly open to global engagement through knowledge and intercultural dialogue.

President Haggar also lauded the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future, reiterating that investing in education is synonymous with investing in peace, development, and national stability. He referenced several Chinese proverbs, underscoring this forward-looking perspective and the importance of transmitting wisdom to future generations.

Through this national “Bridge to Chinese” competition final, the University of N’Djamena is committed to enhancing cultural and academic exchanges between Chad and China. Furthermore, it actively encourages Chadian students to broaden their horizons by embracing new languages and pursuing international opportunities.

President Haggar highlighted that this year marks the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena. These six years have profoundly reshaped the university, inaugurating a new chapter in its academic and international narrative. Since its inception, the Confucius Institute has evolved beyond a simple language learning center. It has emerged as a vital hub for cultural dialogue, a meeting point for diverse peoples, a gateway to the wider world, and a powerful catalyst for intellectual and human transformation.

Ambassador Wang Xining of China to Chad, speaking at the event, noted that the opening of this prestigious national competition final in Chad brings students together in their pursuit of Chinese language mastery. The choice of the University of N’Djamena as the venue underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in fostering this rapprochement.

Ambassador Wang Xining further elaborated on the robust cooperation between China and Chad, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth training. He acknowledged the university’s gratitude for the support extended to Chadian students through scholarships, exchange programs, and the various activities of the Confucius Institute. He asserted that learning a foreign language involves more than just mastering words or a culture; it is about constructing bridges between civilizations and preparing a generation capable of effective cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

Ambassador Xining stressed that the competition’s theme, “Bridge to Chinese,” serves not only as a linguistic challenge but, more importantly, as 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.

He extended his commendations to the university authorities, especially the President, the dedicated educators, and the diligent students. He emphasized that learning Chinese offers young Chadians an invaluable opportunity to engage with the world and unlock new avenues for personal and professional growth.

The Ambassador underscored the profound importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. By immersing themselves in the language, students become vital ambassadors for this bilateral relationship, contributing to a closer and more harmonious shared future.

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