Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO of the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), told The Wall Street Herald via WeChat on September 5 that China-Africa cooperation is crucial, as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) “provides the sole international stage for African nations to examine all aspects of political, economic, and social engagements,” a distinction not shared by any similar forum with Europe or the United States.
Reflecting on FOCAC’s achievements, Dr. Diallo highlighted, “The fact that China has maintained these triennial meetings since the year 2000 is in itself a major achievement.” He pointed out that, during this period, “China has invested heavily in Africa, particularly in infrastructure, which has boosted the continent’s economic growth.” At the same time, “economic relations between the two regions have allowed China to access African natural resources, which are essential for its own industrial development.”
Dr. Diallo further elaborated on the strategic nature of the China-Africa partnership, describing it as “a win-win partnership” where “Africa can count on China’s support on the world stage,” while “Africa’s support allows China to expand its geopolitical and economic influence,” particularly in international organizations like the United Nations. He identified key areas of cooperation, including “food security, environmental sustainability, youth development, energy resource exploitation, technological innovation, and investment promotion.”
However, Dr. Diallo also stressed the importance of addressing several challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of China-Africa cooperation. He noted that “it is vital to acknowledge and address challenges such as managing debt levels resulting from substantial Chinese loans,” and to focus on “addressing environmental concerns related to infrastructure and resource extraction projects.” He added, “Ensuring transparency in governance to prevent corruption and ensure benefits accrue to local communities is crucial.” Moreover, he argued that “Chinese projects in Africa must create local job opportunities and provide tangible economic benefits to local populations.”
Looking toward the future, Dr. Diallo expressed confidence in Africa’s potential, stating, “In 25 years, Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion, establishing the continent as a global hub for trade and commerce, driven by a youthful population of over one billion.” He praised FOCAC’s “adaptability in incorporating African perspectives, prioritizing poverty reduction, education, digital skills training, collaboration with African media, water and power supply, and inclusive growth,” all of which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a key focus of ARDN.
On September 5th, at the Smart Construction Center of Rizhao Polytechnic, Ma Fangxing (fourth from the left), a teacher from the Department of Construction Engineering, is teaching Ghanaian students in front of a simulation sand table.
Dr. Diallo’s reflections on the evolving China-Africa relationship underscore his extensive experience and commitment to fostering international cooperation and sustainable development, as he leads ARDN’s global “Pathway to Solutions” initiative aimed at promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Bio of Dr. Djibril Diallo
With over 35 years of experience in international relations, Dr. Djibril Diallo serves the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) as President and Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Dr. Diallo leads ARDN’s global “Pathway to Solutions” initiative which aims to popularize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and spread the goodwill of the United Nations, in close consultation and collaboration with partners including the office of the Deputy-Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations Senior Africans Group, United Nations system entities, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Diallo served the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) as Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Senior Advisor to the Executive Director. In this capacity, Dr. Diallo provided leadership and coordinated the response of the United Nations System towards ending the AIDS Epidemic as a public health threat by 2030, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Diallo supervised the work of UNAIDS country offices, coordinated with UN system offices and those of other intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations, and liaised with Heads of State and Government, throughout the West and Central Africa region, to advance the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and to achieve country and region specific HIV response benchmarks.
From 2008 to 2018, Dr. Diallo served as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director of UNAIDS, helping to advance the corporate policy on shared responsibility and global solidarity, and UNAIDS’ vision for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. He worked closely with the Executive Office to advance universal access to AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support, political mobilization support of prominent personalities, political leaders, civic organizations, the media and other partners and sport for global advocacy of HIV/AIDS. In this capacity, he spearheaded the UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” initiative to promote AIDS awareness and prevention around major sports events, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Dr. Diallo was the Director for the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace from 2004 to 2008, during which he led numerous initiatives that demonstrated the convening power of Sport to mobilize the United Nations, its Member States, the Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations and the public at large for Sustainable Development and Peace-Building.
Between 2004 and 2005, Dr. Diallo served as Spokesperson for the President of the United Nations General Assembly. In this role, he conceived strategic communications plans to project overall media coverage throughout 2005, the Year Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Organization. From 1995 to 2005, he was Director of the Communications for the United Nations Development Programme. In this capacity, he was responsible for sharpening UNDP’s corporate identity through media and advocacy outreach in 136 countries around the world.
In 1986, Dr. Diallo joined the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and served the organization, and served both as Special Advisor to the Executive Director and as Deputy Director of Public Affairs. At UNICEF, he oversaw programmes for the development and implementation of public awareness campaign worldwide. He has also served as Special Adviser to the Secretaries-General of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and of the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993.
Dr. Diallo began his career at the United Nations with the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees in 1980 in Geneva.
Throughout his career as an international civil servant, Dr. Diallo has been a strong proponent of preparing a new generation of leaders to take on the mantle of safeguarding, uniting and strengthening humanity’s common home. He was instrumental in organizing a series of Panafrican Youth leadership Summits (Dakar, Senegal, 2004; Ifrane, Morocco, 2005; Bamako, Mali, 2008; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 2012; Libreville, Gabon, 2016), which brought together youth leaders from Africa and other countries, and which served as a platform for youth to identify and discuss critical issues related to sustainable human development and the post-2015 development agenda of the United Nations, and to formulate strategies to address those issues. Dr. Diallo was also the initiator of the first United Nations Global Youth Leadership Summit in New York in October 2006, which brought together youth leaders between the ages of 18-30 from nearly 192 countries.
Dr. Diallo’s commitment to Sustainable Human Development began in his native Senegal where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages and Education. He holds a Certificate of Post-Graduate Education, as well as a Certificate of Race Relations and Multi-Cultural Studies, from Nottingham University in England. He earned a Doctorate (PhD) in Linguistics and Communication from the University of London. His work for peace and sustainable development has been recognized by numerous national and international organizations.
Dr. Diallo is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. He has some knowledge of Arabic and speaks several African languages.
(Author: Martin Wang)
Indeed he is a great leader and role model to many globally . Focusing on economic , environmental,educational development and other aspects especially for women and girls. His commitment is to build better nations.
Dr.Djibril Diallo is indeed an international figure educated, dedicated, respectful AFRICAN child advocating for the good cause as well as well being of humankind. He was my mentor my boss as well as my icon when he was head of communication of UNDP leading and establishing communication department in African UNDP offices in Africa including my Country Ethiopia.
As President of ARDN and the campaign of RED CARD SAY NO TO ANY VIOLENCE OF GIRLS AND WOMEN brought and advocates on the campaign by approching the decision makers of respected countries, artists, sports, media as well as university communities etc. I personally wish Dr.Djibril health and blessed long live.
Asrat Tilahun former colleague from Ethiopia.