A seminar for African women parliamentarians has opened in Beijing. Hosted by China's National People's Congress, the 10-day program brings together around 40 legislators and senior officials from eight African countries to share experiences and strengthen cooperation on women's development.

The seminar builds on the outcomes of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, aiming to deepen friendship and foster shared progress in advancing women's roles in society. Participants will exchange ideas on gender equality, capacity building, and women's empowerment. They will also take part in field visits in Beijing and some other cities to learn about local practices in protecting women's rights.

TIE NING Vice Chairperson, Standing Committee of the National People's Congress "Women are an important force in improving global governance. The National People's Congress of China is ready to deepen cooperation with African parliaments, give full play to the role of female legislators, pay closer attention to women's needs and strengthen coordination in multilateral parliamentary organizations, to promote fair and just global governance and build a community with a shared future for mankind."

MILLICENT YEBOAH AMANKWAH Member of Parliament, Ghana "The theme that brings us together 'Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation among Legislatures to Accelerate the Global Cause of Women's Development' speaks not only to the urgent need for action, but to the strength we possess when we act together."