UN@80: Young Egyptian speaks about China's poverty alleviation efforts

As the world works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly the first goal of eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere – China's experience in poverty alleviation has emerged as one of the most inspiring and exemplary models worth studying and emulating.

Mohamed Jihad, a young Egyptian graduate of Ain Shams University with a degree in Chinese language and currently a foreign expert at the China International Communications Group, recounted how his experience in China changed his view of poverty eradication. He asserted that what China has achieved is "almost a miracle," especially given the enormous population challenges it faces.

"Many countries blame poverty on overpopulation," he said. "But China has proven that population size is not the root cause of poverty – in fact, it can be turned into an opportunity with the right planning.”

He explained that the Chinese government does not simply hand out money to the poor. Instead, it carefully studies the conditions of each region and develops comprehensive, sustainable plans to help people become self-reliant. This approach, he said, reflects the well-known saying in both Egypt and China: "Teach me to fish, don't just give me a fish."

The young man cited a practical example from the Chinese village of Yugouliang, inhabited mostly by elderly people.

The local Communist Party of China committee secretary noticed that many of the seniors were physically fit despite their age. He began teaching them traditional Chinese yoga, including Tai Chi movements, and helped turn these practices into a source of income. Over time, the village became a hub for teaching wellness exercises to elderly people – and successfully lifted itself out of poverty.

Jihad concluded by noting that Egypt has already begun learning from China's experience, launching interest-free loan programs, supporting small projects, and encouraging people to work and become self-reliant rather than relying solely on direct aid.