STORY: Spring Festival showcases Chinese culture, strengthens global bonds: UN official
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 22, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 23, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:33
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter
2. various of the celebrations
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZAINAB HAWA BANGURA, Director-General of United Nations Office at Nairobi
4. various of the celebrations
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JANE MAKORI, Deputy Director-General for Asia and Pacific in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter
"The Chinese Lunar (New) Year, popularly known as the Chinese Spring Festival, characterized by the red color and many celebrations among family and friends has now made it to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, this has sparked great attention among people in the world as they enjoy and celebrate this rich Chinese culture. Here in Kenya, celebrations were held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the capital city, where many wished the Chinese living here and the Chinese community at large well, including major United Nations officials."

The Spring Festival is of profound significance in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening global bonds, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Zainab Hawa Bangura said at a Chinese cultural event on Wednesday.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZAINAB HAWA BANGURA, Director-General of United Nations Office at Nairobi
"For today's celebration, on behalf of the UN family in Kenya, I pray that this Lunar (New) Year of the Snake brings us all uncommon wisdom and discernment to manage the myriad challenges we face as a race today. May peace, prosperity, good health, and increased compassion towards each other reign and abide with every one of us all year long."

Hosted at the UNON premises, the event featured an array of cultural showcases, including acrobatic performances, Chinese cuisine, fashion displays and traditional calligraphy.

Co-hosted by the UNON, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and China Media Group (CMG), the event drew senior officials, diplomats, university students and faculty members, celebrating the spirit of cross-cultural exchange.

Jane Makori, deputy director-general for Asia and the Pacific in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, described the Chinese festival as a unifying celebration that transcends cultural boundaries.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JANE MAKORI, Deputy Director-General for Asia and Pacific in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
"On behalf of the government of Kenya and the people of Kenya, we join you all to celebrate this new year and we wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2025 Spring (Festival) or (Chinese) Lunar New Year."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)