Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized the vital role of women's education during her visit to Paris. Speaking at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters on May 6, Peng highlighted that promoting education for girls and women is essential for social progress and humanity's shared future.
Empowering Women Through Education
Peng briefed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on China's advancements in girls' and women's education, particularly through the Spring Bud Project. This nationwide initiative has raised 2.91 billion yuan ($403 million) and provided 4.09 million services to girls across the country by the end of 2022, helping dropouts return to school and improving teaching conditions in impoverished areas.
As UNESCO's special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education, Peng has visited numerous schools worldwide over the past decade. She expressed her joy in witnessing more women achieving better lives through education.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum placed China first among 146 countries in tertiary education enrollment, indicating no gender gap. Peng reiterated China's commitment to collaborating with UNESCO to boost global investment in girls' and women's education, ensuring equal access to education rights, and building a brighter future together.
Promoting Cultural Exchanges
During her stay, Peng also visited the Orsay Museum, where she admired classic Impressionist works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. She noted the shared passion for painting between the Chinese and French people and expressed hope for increased cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding.
With 2024 marking the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, both nations are hosting a series of cultural events that celebrate performing arts, visual arts, cultural heritage, and tourism. These initiatives aim to strengthen cultural bonds and promote sustainable tourism between the two countries.
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Peng Liyuan highlights women's education, cultural exchanges in Paris
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