The "one belt, one road" through my eyes | The miracle of eliminating poverty

by Dahlia A Ducreay (Commonwealth of Dominica)

Director of Silk Road Youth Forum International Department

丝路青年论坛国际部负责人黛莉亚·杜克雷(多米尼克联邦)

多米尼克联邦自1978年11月3日独立以来，一直在全球范围内建立伙伴关系和持久友谊。中国已成为多米尼克的亲密朋友之一，两国情谊自2004年3月23日正式建交已有17年。为创造一个更美好和可持续的明天，两国将继续紧密合作，特别是发挥青年在两国交往合作中的重要作用。

多米尼克联邦位于加勒比海和大西洋之间

Commonwealth of Dominica’s location between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean

Since its independence on November 3rd, 1978, the Commonwealth of Dominica has continued forming strategic relationships and lasting friendships globally. China has become one of Dominica's close friends and vice versa. This 17-year friendship was officially established on March 23rd, 2004. In order to create a better and sustainable future, the two countries will continue to work closely together, especially to bring into play the important role of youth in bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

多米尼克联邦总理罗斯福·斯凯里特博士，中华人民共和国国家主席习近平

Commonwealth of Dominica Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, People’s Republic of China President H.E. Xi Jinping

随着世界进入互联互通的新时代，多米尼克青年继续表现出对全球气候变化、减贫、平等接受教育等世界问题作出贡献的渴望和创造力。自与中国建立外交关系以来，数百名高成就的多米尼克青年选中国作为他们接受培训进一步提高技能的国家，其中也包括我自己。我认为一个人要成为一个对全球有益的贡献者，就必须去探索世界，体验和学习不同的文化，提高自己的沟通能力和知识储备，为自己的国家和世界的发展做出贡献。多米尼克是一个43岁的年轻加勒比国家，他们的青年人大多是具有强烈创业精神和创新精神的人，这也体现了多米尼克祖先的精神。

多米尼克联邦总理罗斯福·斯凯里特博士阁下及其家人庆祝多米尼克联邦第43个独立日

Commonwealth of Dominica Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit and Family celebrate Commonwealth of Dominica 43rd Independence Day

As the world enters a new era of connectivity, Dominican youth continue to showcase eagerness and ingenuity in contributing to global problems, such as climate change, poverty alleviation, equal access to education, and so forth. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties with China, hundreds of high-achieving Dominican youth have chosen China as their destination to further their skills training. I believe that to be a global contributor, one must explore the world, experience, and learn from different cultures, to improve communication skills and knowledge reserves to contribute to self, country, and world development. As the Commonwealth of Dominica is a young Caribbean nation of only 43 years, the majority of their youth possess strong entrepreneurship and innovative spirit, which also reflects the spirit of Dominica’s ancestors.

多米尼克联邦土著民族：加里纳戈人

Commonwealth of Dominica Native People: Kalinago People

2007年夏天，我第一次来到中国北京，当时我只有18岁。在一个18岁的年轻人的眼里，中国是一片我迫不及待想要探索的广阔土地。我很幸运地见证了2008年北京奥运会，那时候很多多米尼克同胞们被选为志愿者。2008年奥运会是值得全世界关注的景象，是一个展示中华民族自豪的盛会，来自世界五洲四海的朋友聚集在北京鸟巢奥林匹克体育场，共同见证这一伟大的历史时刻。“同一个世界，同一个梦想”奥运会主题，为世界展示了中国的奥林匹克精神和促进世界各族人民大团结的精彩篇章。

I first arrived in Beijing, China, in the summer of 2007 at the tender age of 18. Through the eyes of an 18-year-old youth, China appeared to be a vast land I could not wait to explore. I was even fortunate enough to witness the 2008 Olympics, where fellow Dominicans were chosen to be volunteers. It was a sight to behold, where friends from all over the world came together to witness the historical moment showcasing the Beijing Bird's Nest Olympic stadium. "One world, one dream" Olympic theme showed the world China’s Olympic spirit and a wonderful chapter in promoting unity with people of all ethnic groups across the world. 

2008年在上海佛寺拍摄的中国第一张照片

2008 first photo in China at the Buddhist temple in Shanghai 

2013年，习近平主席提出共建“一带一路”倡议，这是一个推动全球互联互通、实现共同发展的方案。那一年，我刚刚完成了学士学位，并接受了北京市奖学金攻读硕士学位。至今我还记得当时听到“一带一路”倡议的时候，全国都非常激动和兴奋。关于“一带一路”及其影响引起了广泛深入的讨论，从我的导师到我的同学，“一带一路”倡议不仅让很多国家很多人重新认识了古丝绸之路的伟大历史意义，还对人类命运共同体理念有了广泛的共识。如今，共建“一带一路”倡议，成为全世界141个国家实现新发展的机遇。

 In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced the "belt and road" initiative, a plan to promote and achieve global connectivity and common development.   That year, I had just completed my bachelor's degree and accepted the Beijing Municipality Scholarship to pursue my Master's Degree. To this day, I still remember how excited the nation was during the year of that announcement; deep debates about "the belt and road" and its impact were conducted from my professors to even my classmates on the endless possible opportunities provided by this initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative not only allowed many people in  several countries to re-understand  the historical significance of the ancient Silk Road but also added a broad consensus on the concept of community with a shared future for mankind. Today it has become a tool of change in 141 countries worldwide.

作为联合国的积极成员,中国既积极实现国内的可持续发展，也关注支持其他国家的可持续发展。中国成功的全民脱贫创造了震撼世界的奇迹，但我们很清楚地知道他们是克服各种艰巨的挑战才有了这样的效果。2020年，中国彻底脱贫。这一成就是中国和世界的一个重要里程碑，他们的成功已成为其他国家在脱贫方面学习的榜样。

As an active member of the United Nations, China not only actively pursues sustainable development domestically but also pays attention to supporting the sustainable development of other countries. China’s successful national poverty alleviation has created a miracle that shocked the world, but it is clearly understood that they have only achieved this by overcoming various challenges. In 2020 a complete eradication of poverty was accomplished. This achievement was a major milestone for China and the world. Their success has become an example for other countries to follow in poverty alleviation.

我在中国的多次旅行中，有一个地方给我留下了深刻的印象，那就是中国宁夏回族自治区的闽宁镇，中国的扶贫模式在这里得到具体的印证。我很幸运地收到了中国人民对外友好协会的邀请，来体验这座模范城市。

Among my many travels throughout China, one place that has left a lasting impression on me is Minning Town, China. China's model of poverty alleviation. I was fortunate to have received an invitation from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to experience this model city.

中国人民对外友好协会会长林松添阁下（左一）, 宁夏回族自治区副主席王和山阁下（右二）,宁夏回族自治区外事办公室主任李琛阁下（右一）, 丝路青年论坛国际部负责人黛莉亚·杜克雷女士（左二）

H.E. Lin Songtian, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) (first from the left), H.E. Wang Heshan, Vice Governor of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (second from the right), H.E. Li Chen, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (first from the right), Director of Silk Road Youth Forum International Department, Ms. Dahlia A. Ducreay (second from the left)

中国政府全面消除贫困，宁夏的成功是一个典型的例子，把人民群众的利益放在首位。宁夏的闽宁镇是一座希望的灯塔，它教会人们如何在任何情况下都能茁壮成长。从不适于居住到繁荣起来，闽宁镇及其人民发展变化的故事令人钦佩。25年的发展加上信任和辛勤工作，使闽宁镇成为值得全球赞誉的地方。

The success of Ningxia is a typical example of the Chinese government's comprehensive eradication of poverty, putting the interests of the people first. Minning town in Ningxia is a beacon of hope, which teaches people how to thrive under any circumstances. From unlivable to prosperous, the story of the formation of Minning Town and its people is to be admired. Twenty-five years of development coupled with trust and hard work has made Minning a place worthy of being praised globally.

宁夏回族自治区银川市永宁县闽宁镇 

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Yinchuan City Yongning County Minning Town

闽宁镇成了中国落后城镇扶贫成功的标杆，这里的经验教训被概念化为三个重要部分: "三个转变"，"六大亮点"，"七大成效."。这一框架的影响在闽宁镇和全国的所有地方都能感受到。显然，要脱贫，各方政企部门必须密切参与这一进程。祝贺中国表现出如此强大的团队精神和相互信任的合作能力。

By using Minning as a benchmark for poverty alleviation successes, the lessons learned here have been conceptualized into three significant sections: "Three Transformations," "Six Highlights," and "Seven Achievements." This framework can be felt in all industries within Minning and the nation. It is clear that to eradicate poverty, all parties (public and private sector) must be involved intimately in the process. Congratulations to China for displaying such great teamwork and trust. 

 我对于“一带一路”的繁荣发展感到乐观和兴奋。通过从闽宁镇学到的经验去鼓励创业，青年人有机会通过各种实际参与的方式，帮助他们的国家完成扶贫任务，重塑农业产业的品牌。给我留下深刻印象的一个例子是在翡翠酒庄见证的交流项目，那里欢迎志愿者到葡萄园进行深入学习，接受培训。另外一个是稻田里，通过邀请游客种植当地作物的巧妙方法，创造了农业旅游业。还有一个案例是用创新的科学方法来采摘蘑菇。在中国政府的领导下，闽宁镇和宁夏的模式重新定义行业和产业，以满足人民的需求。在闽宁的发展建设中，青年发挥了巨大的作用,也更加说明了青年将个人发展与国家发展结合起来，携手创造人类共同未来的可能性是无穷的。 

I feel optimistic and excited about the prosperity and development of the "belt and road" initiative. Young people have the opportunity to help their countries achieve poverty alleviation and rebrand their agriculture sector through a variety of hands-on methods, encouraging entrepreneurship via lessons from Minning town. One key example is the exchange programs witnessed at the Jade Wineries, where volunteers are welcomed to the vineyard to have in-depth training. Or in the rice fields where ingenious methods of inviting tourists to cultivate local crops were adopted, creating an agro-tourism industry. Or the innovative scientific approach to harvesting mushrooms. Under the Chinese government's leadership and vision, Minning Town and Ningxia have continued to reimagine each industry's definition to fulfill the needs of the people. Youth held a vital role during the development of Minning Town, making the possibilities endless for the youth to combine their personal development with the development of their country, working hand in hand to create a shared future for humanity. 

我很高兴地说，我期待着在未来几年为这一包容性伟大事业做出我自己的贡献。所有利益相关者必须继续秉承双赢的心态，不论来自哪个国家或背景如何，致力于为所有人创造一个公平和可持续的未来。只有齐心协力，我们才能成功。

I am happy to say that I look forward to contributing to this movement of cooperation in the years to come. We must continue to adopt the win-win mindset for an equitable and sustainable future for all, regardless of nation or background. Only together can we all succeed. 

多米尼克联邦驻华大使马丁·查尔斯阁下和丝路青年论坛国际部负责人黛莉亚·杜克雷女士

Commonwealth of Dominica Ambassador to  People's Republic of China H.E. Martin Charles and Silk Road Youth Forum Director of International Cooperation Ms. Dahlia A Ducreay