From October 15 to 17, 2021, Prof. Li Anshan, Chair of Chinese Society of African Historical Studies, Adjunct professor of UESTC, and Prof. Zhao Shurong, Director of CWAS of UESTC, were invited to attend the “Celerbration for the 40^th Anniversary of the Chinese Society of African Historical Studies and the Symposium on African Historical Studies in China: Theory and Methodology” in Xiangtan University. The conference was sponsored by Chinese Society of African Historical Studies and co-sponsored by Law School and China-Africa Economic, Trade and law Institute, Xiangtan University. The conference was also attended by experts and scholars from over 40 research institutions and universities, including Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Peking University, and Tsinghua University.

Prof. Li Anshan, Chair of Chinese Society of African Historical Studies and Adjunct professor of UESTC was invited to give a lecture entitled “A Case Study on the Relationship between Colonialism and Academic Construction in Africa”. He pointed out that the interaction between colonial rule and academia is manifested in many aspects. The building of schools, and the construction of academic disciplines and the discourse system are all related to colonial interests and Western civilization. Prof. Li redefined “civilization” from a historical perspective, and he believed that “civilization” refers to the way humans live and evolve, or the ability to deal with three kinds of contradictions, namely, the way or ability to solve conflicts with nature, others and himself.

Prof. Zhao Shurong, Director of CWAS of UESTC, was also invited to give a lecture titled “China’s experience in poverty alleviation for Africa — A Case Study of Cengong County of Guizhou Province”. She firstly gave a brief introduction over the background of poverty alleviation in Cengong County and pointed out that UESTC proposed a new model of “Electronic Information + Blueprints for Smart City and Town” for Poverty Elimination through its featured disciplines. And then, Prof. Zhao Shurong introduced in detail the specific measures and the work experience of the new model, as well as the significance of this model for Africa, which provides a specific case and useful reference for African countries to solve the poverty problem.

The two reports of the two teachers drew recognition and praise from the experts and scholars present. By attending the Symposium on African Historical Studies in China: Theory and Methodology, it has also effectively promoted the country and area studies in UESTC, and we have also learned valuable experiences from other universities through academic discussions and exchanges.