By Ndey Sowe, Reporting from Beijing, China
After hours of travel across continents, passing through the bright terminals of Addis Ababa and finally touching down at Beijing Capital International Airport, a sense of purpose filled the air.
Among the weary yet inspired travelers were two Gambian delegates, Ndey Sowe, Senior Reporter at Foroyaa Newspaper, and Yadicon Njie-Eribo, Chairperson of the TANGO (The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia).
The duo joined 30 other participants from ten developing nations, including Timor-Leste, South Africa, the Philippines, Tanzania, Cape Verde, Egypt, Uganda, Guyana, and Indonesia, for a two-week seminar on “Rural Development and Poverty Reduction for Officials from Developing Countries.”
The program, which runs from October 14th to 27th, 2025, is organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and sponsored by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC).
The seminar aims to address the practical needs of developing nations seeking to eradicate absolute poverty, modernize agriculture, and foster sustainable rural development. Through lectures, discussions, and field visits, participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of China’s institutional mechanisms, policies, and community-driven approaches that helped lift over 800 million people out of poverty.
IPRCC, affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, serves as a global platform for South-South cooperation, knowledge sharing, and training on poverty alleviation. Since its inception, it has hosted over 217 international seminars, welcoming more than 15,000 officials from 140 countries.
“If China Can Make It, So Can We”
China’s success has long been a reference point for developing countries. At the 19th G20 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared:
“China’s story is proof that developing countries can eliminate poverty. If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too.”
His words continue to echo in seminars like this, where delegates exchange ideas and strategies that could reshape rural economies around the world.
Reflecting on the significance of the program, Foroyaa’s Ndey Sowe said:
“Eliminating poverty is a shared goal for all nations. The Gambian government should ensure that policies reflect the real challenges faced by our people. Development is only possible when we unite and hold the master key, our own determination to change our lives.”
Yadicon Njie-Eribo, representing civil society, added a personal note:
“I am honored to be here to learn firsthand from those who transformed poverty into prosperity. As someone working closely with women and communities, this experience is invaluable. It’s about learning what works and how to adapt it back home.”
Field Experience and Knowledge Exchange
The two-week program includes thematic lectures, interactive discussions, and field visits, including a practical excursion to Pu’er City in Yunnan Province, a region once known for rural poverty but now recognized for its thriving agricultural economy and community-based reforms.
Participants will explore how China integrated poverty reduction with sustainable economic, social, and environmental development, and how lessons learned can strengthen their own national frameworks.
As the seminar unfolds in the heart of Beijing, a city blending ancient culture with modern dynamism, the Gambian representatives carry with them not only curiosity but also hope. Their journey is more than academic; it is a pursuit to reimagine how developing nations, like The Gambia, can chart their own path to inclusive and sustainable growth.
