UNECA and the Mission of China to the African Union Celebrate Spring Festival at the KMSS Library
UNECA and the Mission of China to the African Union Celebrate Spring Festival at the KMSS Library
A Cultural Celebration Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange
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 in Addis Ababa.
Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Ambassador Jiang Feng, Head of the Mission of China to the African Union and Representative of China to UNECA, and Mr. Aboubakri Diaw, Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Secretary of UNECA and High-Level Representative of the African Union Commission. The event was also honoured by the brief visit of Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECA, who stopped by to extend his New Year wishes and tour the exhibition.
The celebration was co-hosted by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union and the UNECA Library, with the valued support of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province. The event brought together UN staff, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the African Union Commission, and the wider international community.
Celebrating Renewal, Unity and Multilateral Cooperation
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture, symbolizing renewal, unity, and hope. These values resonate strongly with the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation upheld by the United Nations and the African Union.
“The celebration served as a symbol of friendship, dialogue, and shared understanding between China, Africa, and the international community.”
Beyond a cultural event, the celebration highlighted the role of culture as a bridge for diplomacy, partnership, and mutual understanding.
Showcasing Living Cultural Heritage from Zhejiang Province
KMSS hosted a vibrant showcase of China’s living cultural heritage from Zhejiang Province, highlighting traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression. Participants experienced culture as a dynamic and evolving expression of identity, creativity, and history.
Program highlights included:
- Hand-crafted silk umbrellas symbolizing elegance and centuries-old craftsmanship;
- Indigo printing, a textile tradition rich in symbolism and intergenerational knowledge;
- Rice-dough sculpture, transforming natural materials into intricate artistic forms.
Six heritage masters from Zhejiang Province provided 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.”
Innovation Meets Tradition: Immersive Cultural Experiences
Participants also engaged in an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Spring Festival experience, blending tradition with technology, and explored a walk-through exhibition and Chinese Zodiac display illustrating the twelve-animal cycle that has shaped cultural traditions and storytelling for centuries.
Celebrating Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Through Music
The Merewa Choir enriched the programme with an 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.
Libraries as Hubs for Knowledge Exchange and Partnerships
Beyond the cultural celebration, 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 information but also as hubs for knowledge exchange, innovation, and dialogue. Through KMSS, the UNECA Library plays a critical role in mainstreaming knowledge management across the Commission and supporting African Member States with curated, reliable knowledge products and services.
“Cultural heritage, like knowledge, is a powerful resource that fosters mutual understanding and builds bridges between communities.”
Advancing South-South Cooperation and China-Africa Partnership
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 multidisciplinary platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Closing Reflections
In her closing remarks, Ms. Irene Onyancha, Chief of the Knowledge Management Services Section of UNECA, emphasized:
“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.