2025-07-16
The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University is pleased to share that our Director, Dr. Salome Nyambura, represented Kenya at the prestigious 11th Nishan Forum on WorldCivilizations, held from July 9 to 10, 2025, in Qufu, Shandong Province, China—the birthplace of Confucius. The forum is a global platform that brings together scholars, educators, policymakers, and cultural experts from around the world to discuss the role of civilizations in shaping a more harmonious and modern global society.
This year’s forum focused on the theme: “Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization.” Dr. Nyambura participated in a special session titled “Confucian Education for Social Cohesion,” where she shared perspectives on the growing interest in Confucian values among Kenyans. She emphasized how the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University has been instrumental in promoting cultural exchange and fostering appreciation for Confucian principles such as harmony, mutual respect, and social order.
In her remarks and media interviews, Dr. Nyambura underscored the significance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening Kenya–China relations. She noted that through language learning, academic collaboration, and cultural engagement, many Kenyans have found meaningful connections with Chinese philosophical thought and traditions.
Accompanying Dr. Nyambura on this important mission was Prof. Zhou Xiaodong, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University. Prof. Zhou also contributed to the forum by participating in interviews and sharing valuable insights on the evolving China–Africa educational partnership. His presence reinforced the institute’s joint commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and academic excellence.
The Nishan Forum continues to serve as a unique platform for open dialogue between civilizations, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, heritage, and ethical values in addressing the challenges of the modern world. The participation of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University in such a distinguished gathering not only reflects our dedication to international cooperation but also marks another step forward in promoting global peace through cultural diplomacy.
We are proud of Dr. Nyambura and Prof. Zhou for representing our university and country with distinction. Their contributions have further strengthened the voice of Kenya in the global conversation on civilization and social harmony.