Recently, Luis de Carvalho, a journalist from Cape Verde’s National News Agency, published a signed article titled “Chronicle of a Scientific and Technological Journey in China” in the local mainstream newspaper A Nação, sharing his experience participating in the “Seminar on Green Circular Economy and Sustainable Development for Developing Countries.” The seminar was organized by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by our university. Following its publication, the article was promptly reposted on the official social media account of the Chinese Embassy in Cape Verde and reprinted by domestic authoritative media outlets such as The Paper, garnering widespread attention.
During the two-week seminar, 37 participants from 11 countries, including Cape Verde, gathered in China for in-depth exchanges and field studies focusing on the green economy, circular development, and sustainability. Luis wrote in his article that his previous impressions of China largely came from media reports, but this firsthand experience allowed him to “witness with his own eyes”. Through dialogues with experts, interactive discussions, and visits to energy technology companies, as well as observing details of urban governance, he and fellow participants came to recognize that sustainable development in China is not an abstract concept, but a solidly advancing national strategy and a social practice integrated into daily life. He sincerely remarked, “China is not preparing for the future; it is creating the future”.
(Luis’s article)
(Reposts of Luis’s article on the WeChat official account of the Chinese Embassy in Cape Verde and by The Paper)
What particularly impressed Luis was China’s comprehensive deployment and intelligent application of renewable energy. From coastal mudflats to mountainous plateaus, large-scale wind and photovoltaic facilities coexist harmoniously with nature; in cities, the popularity of electric vehicles, the efficiency of the public transportation system, and the public’s conscious environmental awareness all reflect how deeply green development is integrated into the social fabric. He specifically noted that these practical experiences hold significant reference value for island nations like Cape Verde, which plans to source 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
(Luis receiving his completion certificate)
The seminar served as a bridge connecting theory with practice and linking the development visions of different countries. When Luis wrote, “All the fatigue felt profoundly meaningful”, it was not only a summary of his journey but also a vivid testament to the enduring power of understanding and dialogue across mountains and seas. This further highlights the role of high-quality foreign aid training in promoting people-to-people bonds and strengthening bilateral relations through public diplomacy. It is foreseeable that China will continue to work hand in hand with countries worldwide through knowledge sharing and experience exchange, moving jointly towards a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future.
Written by: Zhang Xinyue
Photos provided by: Chen Siqi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
