Publisher: International Exchange and Cooperation Office  

Date: October 10, 2024

On September 30th, the prestigious 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award ceremony took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where State Councilor Chen Yiqin honored distinguished foreign experts for their contributions to China. Among the recipients was Andrei Chevelev, a visiting professor at the Cultural Heritage Creative Industry Research Institute, nominated by the Central United Front Work Department and a former director of the Asia Pacific Department of UNESCO’s Africa Priority and External Relations Department. This recognition marks the fourth occasion a foreign expert from JNU has been awarded this honor.

（Andrei Chevelev）

During the ceremony, Professor Chevelev received the Friendship Award Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to China’s development. He also attended a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, showcasing the importance of international collaboration.

With 27 years of experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, Andrei Chevelev has held various prominent roles, including serving as the Director of the UNESCO Central Asia Regional Office in Almaty from 2015 to 2017. He has spearheaded initiatives such as the compilation of essential academic reports on the protection of Central Asian cultural heritage and the promotion of education for women and girls. His exemplary service has been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including medals for “Personal Contribution,” “Diplomatic Service Contribution,” and the “25 Year Outstanding Service Award” from the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNESCO.

The Chinese Government Friendship Award is an honorary distinction established to recognize foreign experts who have made notable contributions to China’s reform and development while working in the country. In 2024, a total of 100 foreign experts were awarded this esteemed prize, reflecting the vital role of international collaboration in advancing China's progress.