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2026 Belt and Road Creativity and Sustainable Development Seminar

On April 15, 2026, Beijing played host to the 2026 Belt and Road Creativity and Sustainable Development Seminar. This prestigious event was co-organized by the International Center for Creativity and Sustainable Development, under the umbrella of UNESCO, alongside the School of International and Public Affairs at Jilin University. Supported by influential organizations such as Yuan Programming and the Zhongguancun Zhongheng Culture and Technology Innovation Service Alliance, the seminar gathered 26 participants from 13 countries including Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ghana, all aimed at discovering innovative strategies for sustainable development through a series of thematic discussions and practical visits.

One of the seminar’s highlights was a keynote lecture delivered by Yang Baozhen, a prominent former Consul at the Chinese Embassy in France and Senior Program Officer at the Canadian International Development Agency. Her presentation, titled "Implementation by China of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — Poverty Reduction Practice in China," explored China's unique strategies for poverty alleviation. She emphasized several dimensions, including precise identification, industrial support, relocation efforts, and the critical role of stakeholder collaboration. Yang shared insights on China's achievements across crucial sectors, including educational equity, women’s empowerment, and ecological preservation.

During the seminar, participants engaged in various site visits that showcased innovative practices. At the Yuan Programming Exhibition Hall, attendees gained a comprehensive overview of educational programs emphasizing children’s programming and artificial intelligence. They were also introduced to intelligent teaching support technologies, which highlighted the rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Participants then explored the UCP Universal Creative Park, where they witnessed the intersection of digital technology and cultural heritage. The "Angkor Smile" multi-immersive exhibition illustrated how cutting-edge displays can breathe new life into historical narratives. Another significant stop was at C work, a site that has ingeniously repurposed old industrial plants into vibrant innovation hubs, representing a key aspect of urban revitalization efforts in Beijing.

To further examine the dynamic cultural landscape, attendees visited the 798 Hyper Vision VR Cinema, where they experienced firsthand the innovative spirit of the digital-age creative sector. Each visit reinforced the seminar's ethos that creativity and technology are essential drivers of sustainable development.

While reflecting on the seminar, Kelvin Gwanza from Zimbabwe expressed how the discussions on poverty alleviation strategies inspired him, reaffirming the relevance of these lessons for developing nations. Similarly, Amina Nasolo from Malawi noted that the lecture illuminated practical pathways for formulating effective development policies. Vishal Lal Chauhan from Fiji lauded the seminar's emphasis on using technology for cultural heritage protection and transforming outdated industrial sites into creative parks, reinforcing the idea that innovation and sustainability are intertwined. Jagitay Salamu from Sierra Leone shared her excitement about the seminar, stating that the blend of creativity, innovation, and technology is crucial for addressing future challenges in development.

The success of the Belt and Road Creativity and Sustainable Development Seminar highlights a continuing commitment to fostering international dialogue and cooperation. By merging theoretical understanding with practical application, the seminar shares valuable Chinese experiences and achievements in creativity and sustainability, invigorating cultural exchanges and collaborative efforts for global development.