At the Thematic Session of People-to-People Connectivity of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on April 25, 2019, China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) announced the launching of the Silk Road Community Building Initiative, which was jointly declared by Mr. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and other distinguished Chinese and Foreign guests. The Silk Road Community Building Initiative encourages NGOs along the Belt and Road to establish 500 pairs of cooperation partnerships and undertake 200 livelihood cooperation projects in developing countries along the Belt and Road in the next two years, which is a major action to promote cooperation among NGOs along the Belt and Road.

The Silk Road Community Building Initiative adheres to the development concept of putting people first and the principle of joint building through wide consultation for the benefits of all and conforms to the common aspiration of people around the world for good life. The purpose of the Initiative is to promote mutual understanding, amity, mutual trust and respect among people, enhance joint efforts in facilitating exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, improve livelihood of the people and realize people-to-people connectivity of all countries. The Initiative focuses on two areas of work, cultural and people-to-people exchanges and livelihood cooperation, by providing support and assistance to NGOs from various countries in carrying out seminars, mutual visits and livelihood projects. NGOs from all countries along the Belt and Road are welcome to participate in the Initiative to build the Initiative into a harmonious home to all people along the Belt and Road, a strong bond between NGOs and governments, businesses, media as well as the public and a bridge that connects different civilizations, regions and countries. Through the Initiative, people from all countries can share the outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative and contribute to the economic and social development of all countries and the building of a community with a shared future for all.