WEDS.AA Hosts New Year Reception in 2024
On January 28, 2024, the WEDS.AA held a New Year reception in Beijing. More than 100 Chinese and foreign guests, including the Standing Committee member of the National Women’s Federation, Chairwoman of the Hong Kong Women’s Association, and Honorary Vice Chairwoman of the WEDS.AA, ; Ambassador Xu Jianguo, Secretary-General of China Foundation for Peace and Development; and ambassadors and diplomats from Guinea, Cameroon, Benin, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, El Salvador, Malawi, Egypt, and other countries attended the reception.
President Zhao Meiling delivered the opening speech, reviewing the achievements of the WEDS.AA in 2024. Firstly, the scale of public welfare activities continued to expand, benefiting over 10 countries in Asia and Africa through projects such as the “Kit for Love” educational assistance program and “Light of Happiness.” Secondly, the “Silk Road Happiness Special Fund” was established under the China Foundation for Peace and Development, raising over 5 million in funds to support ongoing international public welfare projects. Thirdly, the association facilitated a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning, organizing numerous exchanges between diplomats and their spouses with Chinese experts and scholars to experience traditional Chinese culture. Fourthly, the successful hosting of the Third Asia-Africa Women’s Development and Cooperation Forum in Hong Kong, focusing on the development of women in Asia and Africa, received positive international feedback. Lastly, efforts were made to strengthen the infrastructure of the Women’s Promotion Association by enriching organizational structures, establishing bilingual websites, and enhancing extensive connections and communication with various sectors of society. President Zhao Meiling expressed gratitude to the ambassadors from various countries in China and philanthropists for their care and support, extending New Year blessings to everyone.
Honorary Vice Chairwoman of the WEDS.AA extended her New Year wishes to all the guests, anticipating close cooperation in the Year of the Dragon to advance international public welfare for women and children in Asia and Africa.
The Ambassador of Guinea, representing the guests, delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to the WEDS.AA for providing diplomats and foreign officials from around the world with the opportunity to experience and appreciate traditional Chinese culture. She congratulated the association on its fruitful achievements in the past year and expressed eager anticipation for continued collaboration in the new year.
The reception was filled with a joyful and harmonious atmosphere, with Chinese and foreign guests coming together to enjoy Chinese calligraphy and painting, traditional handicrafts, as well as performances of song and dance.