The China-Africa Institute (CAI) held the 20^th Ambassador Lecture on October 16, 2025, featuring a keynote speech by H.E. Ibrahima Sory Sylla, Ambassador of Senegal to China. The lecture was presided over by Prof. Tian Feng, Vice President of the CAI, and attended by scholars of the CAI, faculty and students of the School of International Politics and Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS).

Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla is delivering speech

In his speech titled "Global Governance Reform in the Current Geopolitical Context”, Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla reviewed the evolution of the global governance system after the World War II (WWII), highlighting the pivotal roles played by China and Africa in advancing a new international order. He also shared his vision for future development of global governance reform. The Ambassador noted that the international political and economic order underwent profound changes following the WWII. The post-war international order, largely shaped by Western powers, suffers from significant shortcomings and fails to adequately address the needs of developing nations.

As important members of the Global South, China and Africa are jointly committed to building a fairer and more equitable international political and economic order. China has always followed the path of peaceful development and firmly supports Africa in promoting its representation in multilateral governance systems. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping provides important guidance for the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. At the same time, Senegal also adheres to multilateralism, advocates for dialogue and plays an active role in regional and international affairs. The ambassador pointed out that China-Africa cooperation has always been built on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, and China’s path to modernization has offered valuable insights for African countries as they explore development paths suited to their national conditions and traditions. Driven by the important mechanism of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Africa are committed to deepening cooperation in various fields and jointly promoting peace, security, development and prosperity in Africa.

Following his speech, Ambassador Ibrahima Sory Sylla engaged in in-depth discussions with Chinese scholars on various topics, including the implementation paths of China’s Four Global Initiatives, the impact of Trump 2.0 administration on Africa, and China's zero-tariff policy for Africa.

Prof. Tian Feng is making concluding speech

In her concluding remarks, Prof. Tian Feng noted that the ambassador's speech shows grand visions and profound insights, and is truly enlightening for scholars at the CAI. The shared commitment between China and Senegal to upholding international fairness and justice has laid a solid foundation for deepening mutual learning between their civilizations and enhancing cooperation in global governance. The year 2026, designated as the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges”, will serve as a platform for cultural exchange programs, and further promote dialogue between Chinese and African civilizations and China-Africa cooperation.

Attendees at the venue