The national finals of the Bridge to Chinese competition, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Chad and the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena, marked a milestone in cultural diplomacy. Held at the Mother-Child Humanities University in N’Djamena, the event drew students eager to showcase their linguistic prowess while fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena, emphasized the event’s deeper significance. “This is not just an academic gathering,” he noted. “It symbolizes a changing world, a rising youth, and a Chad that embraces global engagement through language and intercultural dialogue.”

Highlighting the transformative power of education, he underscored that nurturing young minds equates to investing in peace, progress, and stability. Drawing on Chinese wisdom, he invoked proverbs that reinforce the value of knowledge-sharing as a legacy for future generations.

The competition aligns with the University of N’Djamena’s mission to deepen academic and cultural ties with China, encouraging students to explore new linguistic horizons and international opportunities. This year’s finals coincide with the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute in Chad—a milestone that has reshaped the university’s global outlook.

Once a language center, the Institute has evolved into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, fostering connections between people and opening doors to new intellectual frontiers. Its impact extends beyond classrooms, serving as a bridge between civilizations.

Addressing the audience, Ambassador Wang Xining of the People’s Republic of China in Chad, praised the event’s role in uniting Chadian youth through the study of Mandarin. He stressed that language mastery is more than a skill—it’s a tool for building cooperative futures in an interconnected world.

“The ‘Bridge to Chinese’ theme isn’t just about linguistic challenges,” he said. “It’s about constructing cultural and human bridges between our nations, fostering mutual respect and shared progress.”

He commended the dedication of university leaders, educators, and students, noting that Mandarin proficiency empowers young Chadians to seize global opportunities. By learning the language, they become ambassadors of this burgeoning partnership, shaping a more collaborative future.

The event also underscored the broader cooperation between Chad and China, with both governments aligning their development strategies—the 15th Five-Year Plan and Chad Connexion 2030—to unlock new avenues for collaboration. This synergy aims to modernize both nations while delivering tangible benefits to their people.