The national final of the global Chinese language competition recently took place, orchestrated by the Embassy of China in Chad and jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena (UNDJ). This significant event, hosted at the University of Human Sciences of Mère-Enfant in N’Djamena, served as a vibrant platform to celebrate linguistic talent and foster cultural exchange between the two nations. The primary aim was to champion linguistic excellence and solidify the bonds of friendship uniting China and Chad.

Addressing the assembly, Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized the profound significance of this ceremony, which he noted transcends mere academic boundaries. For him, this final competition symbolizes a world undergoing transformation, a rising youth, and a Chad increasingly open to global engagement through knowledge acquisition and intercultural dialogue.

He further highlighted the crucial role of young people in shaping the future, reiterating that investing in education is synonymous with investing in peace, development, and national stability. His address was enriched with several Chinese proverbs, underscoring a forward-looking vision and the imperative of transmitting knowledge to future generations.

Through this national final of the “Bridge to Chinese” competition, the University of N’Djamena reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cultural and academic exchanges between Chad and China. It simultaneously encourages Chadian students to embrace diverse languages and explore international opportunities.

President Haggar pointed out that this year marks the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena – six years that have profoundly reshaped the university, inaugurating a new chapter in its academic and international trajectory. Since its inception, 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, an open gateway to the world, and an instrument for intellectual and human development.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of China to Chad, Mr. Wang Xining, remarked that hosting the national final of this esteemed competition in Chad brings students together through their mastery of the Chinese language. The choice of the University of N’Djamena as the venue underscores the critical role of the academic environment in nurturing this bilateral rapprochement.

Ambassador Wang Xining reiterated the strong cooperative relationship between the two countries, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth training. He conveyed the university’s gratitude for the consistent support provided to Chadian students through scholarships, exchange programs, and the activities facilitated by the Confucius Institute. He asserted that learning a foreign language is not merely about acquiring words or understanding a culture, but fundamentally about constructing bridges between civilizations and preparing a generation equipped for collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.

He underscored that the competition’s theme, “Bridge to Chinese,” represents not just a linguistic challenge but, more importantly, a powerful symbol of connection. It embodies the effort to construct a cultural and human bridge between China and Chad, thereby fostering deeper mutual understanding.

Ambassador Xining extended his appreciation to the university authorities, especially the President, to the dedicated faculty, and to the diligent students for their efforts. He emphasized that acquiring Chinese language skills offers young Chadians a valuable opportunity to engage with the world and unlock new avenues for personal and professional growth.

He further highlighted the indispensable role of cultural exchanges in solidifying the friendship between the two peoples. By mastering the language, students effectively become ambassadors of this bilateral relationship, contributing 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 Connexion 2030. This strategic synchronization 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.