This year is the centennial of the founding of the Communist Party of China. At the monumental moment, China declares a complete victory in eradicating absolute poverty. Nearly 800 million people have shaken off poverty over the past 40-plus years under China's policy of reform and opening up. The campaign to end poverty has been the largest and toughest battle of its kind in human history. China met its poverty alleviation targets under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

To share China’s practice in poverty alleviation with the rest of the world, BAI held an online meeting with its sister institute from Ethiopia – the Oromia Regional State Leadership Academy (ORSLA) on May 21, 2021. Four administration members from ORSLA, including Dr.Habtamu, Deputy General Director, attended the meeting. The meeting was hosted by Chen Cong, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of BAI. Liu Xiaoyun(Amanda) was the keynote speaker. The topic was “Targeted Poverty Alleviation – China’s ingenuity to defeat poverty.”

Liu Xiaoyun witnessed China’s poverty first hand and up close when she was working with a charity and engaged in poverty alleviation projects in remote areas in China. She reviewed China's achievements in poverty eradication, analyzed the underlying reasons of China’s victory, elaborated the measures of targeted poverty alleviation, and demonstrated China's contribution to global fight against poverty. Mr. Zhang Haiping, the director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of BAI, further explained how CPC overcomed the insurmountable to end extreme poverty, and hoped that China’s experience can serve as reference for Ethiopia.

The two sides also conducted in-depth discussions on a series of relevant topics: how to balance economic development and ecological protection, how to improve the capacity building of the poverty alleviation officials, how to mobilize communities to participate in the poverty alleviation campaign, and how can Africa learn from China's experience, etc.

Dr.Habtamu spoke highly of China’s achievements in poverty alleviation, and expressed gratitude for China’s effort to help other developing countries better achieve poverty elimination. On behalf of ORSLA, he extended the willingness to deepen the cooperation between the two institutions and strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Written by Liu Xiaoyun