On June 13th, 2024, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) held the second session of its “Face-to-Face with Experts” lecture series. Mr. Jiang Hao, the Head of the Environment and Climate Issues Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office (Beijing, China), was invited as the keynote speaker. The lecture’s theme was “Experiences in New Energy Work and Sharing of Aid to Africa.” This event was co-organized by CISS Youth and the Global Strategy Research Association of Tsinghua University. The lecture was moderated by Zhang Yuanshinan, a master’s student from the China Foreign Affairs University. Members of CISS Youth, undergraduate and graduate students from Tsinghua University, participated both online and offline.

During the lecture, Mr. Jiang Hao shared his extensive experience working in government, businesses, industry alliances, and international organizations, offering an in-depth analysis of the cutting-edge issues and considerations regarding new energy cooperation in Africa. He provided a comprehensive overview of the African continent’s situation and its development challenges. Mr. Jiang also analyzed the history, current state, and challenges of China’s aid to Africa.

Using the solar streetlamp project as an example, Mr. Jiang vividly illustrated the various issues encountered during the implementation of aid projects, stressing the need to integrate aid with business models and to focus on talent development and technology transfer for sustainable development. He also shared examples of innovative projects led by UNIDO, showcasing the efforts of international organizations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He encouraged Chinese enterprises to seize opportunities, actively engage in international cooperation, and contribute to global sustainable development.

In the interactive session, students engaged in in-depth discussions with Mr. Jiang on issues facing African countries, the opportunities and challenges for Chinese enterprises in Africa, and the prospects for applying new energy technologies. Mr. Jiang’s sharing provided the students with invaluable firsthand practical experience and expanded their understanding of international development cooperation.