On the morning of July 19, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, Permanent Secretary (Deputy Minister Level) of Zambia’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, met 6 Zambian students of ZJU at Zijingang Campus. The session came during his visit to Hangzhou for the Workshop for Members of the Global Development Promotion Center Network.

Dr. Gabriel Pollen shared the experience from the workshop, highlighting China’s modernization experience and leading digital economy technologies. He urged the students to make the most of their time at ZJU, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to Zambia’s development as future innovators and nation-builders.

The students, majoring in multiple disciplines, took turns updating on their studies, sharing impressions of life in China, and thanking ZJU for the support. They also discussed with Dr. Gabriel Pollen how to adapt China’s experiences and their learning skills to Zambia’s needs, aiming to boost its sustainable development.

Despite a busy China itinerary, Dr. Gabriel Pollen prioritized the meeting—showcasing his commitment to China-Zambia educational ties and recognition of ZJU’s international education development. The students, deeply moved, praised the university for facilitating the dialogue. They pledged to value their studies in China, and turn their knowledge into momentum for Zambia’s progress, to better serve their country and the world ahead.

 “We appreciated the Permanent Secretary’semphasison sacrificetobuild ZambiathewayChinabuiltitseconomy. Weshouldbethesacrificialgenerationtolaythefoundationforour country’s development.The country needsyoung talents such asus, learning in excellent varsitieslikeZhejiangUniversity, inagreattech-drivencountrylikeChina.Therearemany things we can learnfromChina in various areas that wecantakeback home.”

 “The Permanent Secretary appreciated thefact that Chinawaswillingtoshareitstechnologywiththeworld. This presentsagreatopportunityfordevelopingcountrieslikeZambiatoleveragethat technologyin sectors such asinfrastructure, agriculture,andenergytoaccelerate national development.”

—Zambian Students

Text: ZHU Bei, Zambian Student