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Monastir, Tunisia | January 2025 — To promote the Silk Road spirit and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a 12-member delegation from Beijing Polytechnic University School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering embarked on a nine-day cultural and educational exchange to Tunisia in late January 2025. The delegation engaged with government agencies, universities, social enterprises, and nonprofit organizations, fostering Sino-Tunisian youth collaboration through education, cultural dialogue, and community initiatives.

The delegation received a warm welcome from Tunisian officials, including Monastir Governor Issa Moussa, who highlighted the nations’longstanding friendship during a January 17 reception. "Educational and cultural cooperation between Tunisia and China continues to deepen," Moussa stated, expressing hope that the visit would energize youth-driven Belt and Road initiatives. Delegation leader Xu Xinyue presented Monastir officials with traditional Chinese porcelain as a symbol of partnership and discussed plans for cross-border vocational training programs.

Academic Collaboration: Igniting Innovation. 

The delegation toured multiple institutions, including Monastir Faculty of Sciences, National Engineering School, and Higher Institute of Computer Science and Mathematics, comparing educational systems and sharing expertise. At Monastir Aviation Academy, students participated in an aviation safety and emergency response workshop, including a hands-on evacuation slide drill. Culinary diplomacy took center stage at Monastir Tourism Institute, where delegates and Tunisian peers bonded over traditional pastry-making. A highlight was a joint VR filmmaking project with local artists, showcasing Sino-Tunisian tech creativity.

Cultural Immersion: Bridging Ancient and Modern

Through calligraphy demonstrations, Hanfu attire showcases, and Tai Chi performances, the delegates introduced Tunisia’s youth to China’s cultural heritage. A Lunar New Year calligraphy event drew applause for its fusion of art and festive tradition. The group explored Tunisia’s historical legacy at sites including the El Jem Amphitheatre, Carthage ruins, and Kairouan Great Mosque, while visits to olive oil cooperatives and pottery workshops highlighted local craftsmanship.

Social Responsibility: Youth in Action

The delegation partnered with a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities, planting olive saplings as enduring symbols of friendship. Environmental stewardship took shape through a beach cleanup and educational campaign with sea turtle conservationists. At Monastir Youth Center, Sino-Tunisian teams competed in soccer, basketball, and archery, exchanging jerseys as tokens of camaraderie.

Media Spotlight: Amplifying Global Voices

The exchange garnered significant media attention, with coverage by Tunisian National Television, radio, and print outlets. Social media campaigns surpassed 30,000 views, while student delegates like Qu Tianyun and Luo Yiqing delivered seven English-language interviews on topics ranging from cultural preservation to eco-activism. A closing ceremony presentation by students Liu Yuxiao and Liu Yeming earned acclaim for its dynamic recap of exchange achievements.

"This mission embodies the Silk Road ethos through action," said Xu Xinyue. "Our students have demonstrated vocational excellence while building lasting people-to-people bonds." BPU plans to expand similar initiatives across Belt and Road nations, advancing global technical education partnerships and youth diplomacy.