China Night 2024 | Chinese NGO Networking Event at the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi

On the evening of May 10, 2024, Nairobi hosted China Night, a side event of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference. The evening served as a Chinese NGO networking event at the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from the United Nations, government institutions, and NGOs from around the world.

The goal was simple but important: to connect Chinese social organizations with global partners, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities for cooperation.

A Night for Connection and Exchange

China Night was moderated by Xiaoning Lü, founder of Viva la Vida, an arts-based platform for cross-cultural exchange. In her opening remarks, Lü noted that the preparatory meeting for the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference had been held successfully in Beijing in March 2024. That meeting helped Chinese public-interest organizations speak more actively on the international stage.

She added that it was an honor to meet everyone again in Kenya that evening and to continue building bridges between Chinese civil society and global partners.

Opening Remarks by Hawa Diallo

Ms. Hawa Diallo, Chief of the Civil Society Section at the UN Department of Global Communications, delivered the opening address.

Diallo has long been dedicated to NGOs and youth empowerment. Her remarks offered important perspectives on the potential of international cooperation and the role of civil society in achieving global sustainable development.

For many attendees, her speech set a constructive tone for the evening: civil society is not a side note in global governance. It is a vital part of how communities are heard, connected, and supported.

Why China Night Mattered

The success of China Night showed more than a single evening of dialogue. It demonstrated the active participation of Chinese NGOs on the global stage and created a valuable space for NGOs and government institutions from different countries to exchange views.

Participants described the event as a foundation for future international cooperation. Many said they hoped for more opportunities like this to promote global understanding and collaboration.

For readers interested in global civil society, China Night offered a clear example of how Chinese organizations are engaging internationally—not only by attending conferences, but by building relationships, sharing perspectives, and contributing to cross-border conversations.

Building Bridges Beyond the Room

The event also reflected a wider trend: Chinese civil society groups are increasingly looking for ways to connect with international networks, especially in areas such as sustainable development, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange.

Viva la Vida’s role in moderating the evening highlighted how arts and culture can support that connection. By creating space for conversation, the organization helped turn a conference side event into a meaningful moment of exchange.

As participants left, the message was one of openness and next steps. China Night was not an endpoint. It was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen dialogue between Chinese NGOs and global partners.

About the Brand

Viva la Vida (VIVA) is a global cross-cultural art brand spanning 60+ countries. We believe that art is a universal language capable of recording life stories, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and driving meaningful social change. Through our signature question—"What is your life?"—we invite individuals from every background to share their stories through a single painting.

Over the past eight years, we have partnered with global leaders including the United Nations, Coca-Cola, and Tencent to host 400+ events and collect 20,000+ life portraits. Each artwork becomes a bridge—transforming personal expression into collective cultural dialogue.