BEIJING, China, 10 April 2026 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) hosted a China-Kenya Youth Dialogue on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Development at the UN Compound in Beijing today.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, the event brought together 11 Kenyan youth leaders and Chinese counterparts to exchange experiences and solutions on how technology and innovation can advance inclusive development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality, in addition to addressing climate change, supporting rural revitalization, and strengthening the inclusion of vulnerable groups such as youth with disabilities.
Mr. Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in China; Ms. Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Representative to China and Chair of the UN Theme Group on Youth in China, Dr. Zhang Huawei, Deputy Secretary-General of CYDF, and Dr. Pilar de la Corte Molina, Officer-in-Charge of UNFPA to Kenya, addressed the dialogue. They were joined by representatives of the Embassy of Kenya in Beijing, academia, civil society, and the public and private sectors, and members of the UN Theme Group on Youth in China.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in China, celebrated the energy and leadership of young people from both nations.
“This event holds a particular meaning for me. Having recently completed my tenure in Kenya before taking up my role here in China, I have seen firsthand the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people from both countries. Today, we are bringing these strengths together – building a bridge not only between China and Kenya, but across the Global South.
Ms. Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Representative to China, underscored the central role of young people in shaping solutions.
“This dialogue shows youth-to-youth exchange at its best – bringing together young people from diverse countries, contexts, and lived experiences to co-create solutions that are inclusive, practical, and forward-looking. Across areas from sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality to digital inclusion and climate action, young people’s ideas and leadership are driving meaningful and lasting change.”
Zhang Huawei, Deputy Secretary-General of CYDF, emphasized the shared commitment to youth-led collaboration.
“Today, we are delighted to join hands with our young Kenyan friends to exchange experiences on youth inclusive innovation and sustainable development. CYDF will continue to serve as a bridge for China-Kenya youth exchanges, a supporter of inclusive innovation, and a driver of sustainable development. Let this dialogue be a new starting point to expand practical cooperation, as we contribute our youthful energy and public welfare strength to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the building of a China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.”
Through high-level panels, rapid-fire youth project presentations, and direct exchanges, the dialogue highlighted the SDG principle of leaving no one behind by showcasing youth-led models that bridge the urban-rural gap, empower persons with disabilities, and build population resilience. These efforts also align closely with the priorities of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, particularly its focus on youth development, innovation, and social integration.
UPower initiative expands impact
The event is supported by the UPower initiative – a youth leadership and cross-cultural exchange programme implemented by UNFPA China and the Beifang International Education Group (BIEG). UPower provides a platform for young leaders from different countries to connect, share solutions, and build the skills and partnerships needed to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
As part of the UPower Initiative, the Kenyan youth delegation will visit several universities across China, engaging with Chinese youth leaders and academics through thematic lectures and joint workshops. The 11‑day visit will include stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Guangzhou and Wuhan, fostering lasting people-to-people ties between China and Africa.
Media contact:
Shujun Liu, Communications Analyst, UNFPA China
Email: sliu@unfpa.org, Tel: +86-10-6532 0506 ext. 202
