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UNECA and the Mission of China to the African Union Celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival at the KMSS Library
On 10 February 2026, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union jointly celebrated the Spring Festival at the newly renovated Knowledge Management Services Section (KMSS) Library space.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. It symbolizes renewal, unity, and hope—values that strongly resonate with the principles of multilateralism and cooperation upheld by the United Nations and the African Union. Beyond a cultural celebration, the event served as a symbol of friendship, dialogue, and shared understanding between China, Africa, and the broader international community.
The Knowledge Management Services (KMSS) of UNECA was pleased to host a vibrant showcase of China’s living cultural heritage from Zhejiang Province, highlighting the richness and diversity of traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression. Participants experienced culture not only as an exhibition, but as a living and evolving expression of identity, creativity, and history.
Program highlights included hand-crafted silk umbrellas, representing centuries of craftsmanship and elegance; the art of indigo printing, a textile tradition rich in symbolism and intergenerational knowledge; and rice-dough sculpture, where natural materials are transformed into intricate works of art. Six heritage masters from Zhejiang Province offered live demonstrations in Wuju opera, painting and calligraphy, silk umbrella craftsmanship, indigo printing, and rice-dough sculpture, along with interactive heritage activities. Their presence underscored the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and inspiring future generations.
Participants also experienced an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Spring Festival tour, blending tradition with technology, and enjoyed a walk-through exhibition and Chinese Zodiac display illustrating the twelve-animal cycle that has shaped cultural traditions and storytelling for centuries.
Adding to the celebration, the Merewa Choir presented ‘A cappella performance’ highlighting linguistic and cultural diversity. Songs included “Mo Li Hua” (Jasmine Flower) from China, “Tuvute Pamoja” (Let’s Come Together) from Kenya, and “Fikir Kegna” (Love from Us) from Ethiopia.
Beyond the festivities, the event conveyed a broader message of partnership and collaboration. It reflected the commitment to strengthening cooperation between the UNECA Library and the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union. Libraries serve not only as repositories of knowledge, but also as hubs for knowledge exchange, innovation, and dialogue. Through KMSS, UNECA plays a critical role in mainstreaming knowledge management across the Commission and supporting African Member States with access to curated, reliable knowledge products and services.
Cultural heritage, like knowledge, is a powerful resource. Sharing cultural traditions fosters mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and stronger connections between communities—aligning with the objectives of the United Nations and the African Union to promote inclusive development, peace, and cooperation.
The celebration also reflected the spirit of South–South cooperation and the China–Africa partnership, where cultural exchange complements economic, scientific, and policy collaboration. By bringing together diplomats, UN professionals, librarians, scholars, and cultural practitioners, the event created a platform for dialogue that transcends borders and disciplines.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Irene Onyancha, Chief of the Knowledge Management Services Section of UNECA, emphasized that “this celebration is more than a festival; it is a reflection of the strong partnership, mutual respect, and shared values that underpin our collaboration and cultural exchange.” She concluded by wishing that the Chinese New Year bring prosperity, harmony, and renewed partnership between China, Africa, and the global community.