Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Building International Consensus and Working Together to Advance the Development of the Global Human Rights Cause—Summary of Academic Views at the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance

On June 14-15,2023,the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance,jointly hosted by the State Council Information Office,the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,and the China International Development Cooperation Agency,was held in Beijing under the theme of“Equality,Cooperation and Development:The 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance.”Participants conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as“International Cooperation and Global Human Rights Governance,”“Global Development Initiative and the Realization of the Right to Development”,“Global Security Initiative and Human Rights Protection,”“UN Human Rights Mechanisms and Global Human Rights Governance,”and“Human Rights Protection in the Digital Age.”The event helped build international consensus and yielded fruitful achievements.

Do companies influenced by smart cities pay more attention to green governance?Mechanism and optimal spatial correlation

Smart cities are a way for China to construct an innovative and environmentally conscious nation.The paper examines the impact of smart cities on corporate green governance and provides a theoretical foundation for formulating and executing smart city policy in China.Based on panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2008 to 2020,this study constructs a multiperiod double-difference model to examine the influence of smart cities on corporate green governance.Additionally,it uses a spatial double-difference model to investigate the spatial spillover effect of smart cities on neighboring areas.The findings indicate that smart cities effectively enhance corporate green governance.Analyzing the influencing mechanisms reveals that resource allocation efficiency,technological innovation,management environmental awareness,and regional environmental enforcement efforts act as mediators.Furthermore,the study reveals that the impact of smart cities on promoting corporate green governance is more pronounced in regions with lower levels of marketization and resource-based cities.Moreover,the research explores the spatial spillover effects of smart cities,with an effective radius of approximately 350 km.The optimal spatial correlation zone for green governance of businesses in neighboring areas in relation to smart cities is within a range of 250-350 km.This is manifested by the significant promotion of green governance in neighboring area businesses facilitated by smart cities.

On the Relationship between China and the International Energy Agency

As China needs to play a more active role in global energy governance, it must create a diversified, multi-level system to enhance energy security and to alleviate environmental pressures. A China-IEA bilateral relationship exists under an Association Initiative, but a stronger bond is needed. Though it is not an IEA member, China's massive energy needs makes it sensible that the two sides overcome existing obstacles that include OECD membership, statistical information issues and energy autonomy. In this regard an "IEA+China" might be a feasible model.

Resource Dependence Relationship between Grass-roots Government and Farmers' Specialized Cooperatives

Based on theories of resource dependence and government functions,this paper analyzed benefit interaction between grass-roots government and farmers' specialized cooperatives in Hubei Province. It was intended to make clear the path dependence relationship between grassroots government and farmers' specialized cooperatives and find out problems in between. Besides,from the perspective of grass-roots government and farmers' specialized cooperatives,it came up with corresponding recommendations,to promote constant improvement of farmers' specialized cooperatives,and help them to become key forces of leading farmers to get rich,pull agricultural economic development,and promote new socialist countryside construction.

A Study on Financial Cooperation by NGOs under the Belt and Road Initiative——Taken Asian Financial Cooperation Association(AFCA) as an Example

Non-governmental organizations(NGOs), represented by the Institute of International Finance(IIF), are an important means of international financial cooperation. Asian Financial Cooperation Association(AFCA), with its nature and positioning similar to the IIF, is a newly founded international NGO under the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Therefore, AFCA can draw upon the existing experience of the IIF. Under the BRI, according to the Articles of AFCA, the non-governmental financial cooperation adopted by the IIF includes these three aspects; coordinating regional financing, developing regional financial markets, and maintaining regional financial stability. Further, since AFCA is non-governmental, it faces certain risks and challenges. In future, the new financial cooperation backed by AFCA needs to evolve and improve over time to better support the Belt and Road construction.

On Internet and Government Service from the Perspective of Good Governance Theory

The 13th Five-Year Plan and the government work report have repeatedly referred to the ＂Intemet＋ government services＂ to achieve data sharing, public interaction, government and enterprise win-win, political and social, and this is precisely the concept of good governance Together However, the Intemet＋ government services is not the 2.0 version of e-government, but the new interactive experience, is no longer the original government unilateral government information disclosure and online services, but the government, society, business tripartite link Require the Government to do the top design at the same time, but also to change the concept, put down the shelves to the enterprise to leam, with the cooperation, while the policy, service and implementation of the real arrival of the community and citizens.

China and Israel Increases Government Loan Cooperation

According to statistics,China and Israel’s bilateral trade volume had reached 1142 billion USD by the end of 2015.China’s direct investment into Israel surpassed 6billion USD,and Israel’s investment in China surpassed 1 billion USD.China has become Israel’s largest trading partner in Asia and thirdlargest trading partner in the world.

Analysis of the Factors Contributing to the Nationwide Spread of Zibo Barbecue

Zibo is a city with a long history and rich culture.Its unique geographical location and cultural environment have created favorable conditions for its development.In 2023,the barbecue culture in Zibo became popular nationwide.The reason for this situation is not only due to the special geographical location and traditional culture of Zibo but also due to many human factors that contributed to this prosperity,allowing Zibo’s economy to take off in 2023.This article will explore the reasons why Zibo barbecue is so popular from several aspects,such as the unique barbecue culture in Zibo,the cooperation and promotion between the government and enterprises,the kindness and hospitality with Shandong people,and the promotion by the media and the internet.

The Chinese Association For International Understanding(CAFIU) and the cooperation with The Australian Rotary

Friendship Exchange The origin of our long cooperation dates back to 1987 when CAFIU invited the Liberal Party of Australia to visit China. The then past Tasmanian State President of the Liberal Party Mr. Ian Chalk was one of the first to join the delegation to visit China.

The Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:seeking linkages for global environmental governance

Global environmental cooperation serves as an important part in the Chinese ideal of building a Community with a Shared Future for all Human Beings. The report of 19 th CPC National Congress indicates that China is committed to proactive mitigation under the Paris Agreement and further participating in global environmental governance under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and both of which are largely integrated to the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). BRI are also closely linked with South-South environmental and climate cooperation proposed by China from previous UN summits. Based on shared ideas, intersected agendas, and compatible governance approaches, BRI and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development grow increasingly relevant and they might form synergies based on increasingly interactive relations. In sum,seeking and intensifying the linkages between BRI and 2030 sustainable development goals(SDGs) could address global environmental governance deficits and enhance cooperation among nations.

The Impact of Corporate Governance on Banks Performance and Loan Quality： Evidence From Italian Cooperative Banks

In the banking system, a context characterized by growing instability and by the speed of evolution of business dynamics, the system of corporate governance plays a key role, both for large banks and for banks with a smaller size. The paper aims to investigate the influence of corporate governance of the banks that operate in the cooperative credit system on performance and quality of loans, over the years 2010-2011-2012. In order to achieve this aim, the following research hypotheses have been formulated： There is a statistically significant relationship between the size and the structure of the board and banks Performance operating in the cooperative credit system; there is a statistically significant relationship between the size and structure of the board and the credit quality of banks operating in the cooperative credit system. The analysis is conducted on a sample composed of 48 Italian banks, divided into 24 cooperative banks and 24 popular banks. The sample is made up of banks from all over Italy and very different in terms of dimension. For the sample construction, data relative to governance of banks were collected from the balance sheets in the period from June to August 2014. Financial-economic data were collected from the Financial Statements and from Bankscope database. The methodology of analysis is based on multivariate OLS （ordinary least squares） regression models. The main results refer to the presence of significant relationships between board dimension and the quality of loans and among the number of committees and performance and the quality of loans. The presence of a significant and negative relationship between the board dimension and the ratio of impaired loans to gross loans indicates the possibility that enlargement of board dimension allows a better quality of loans. The presence of a positive relationship between the number of committees and the ratio of impaired loans to gross loans signals the possibility that a greater number of committees can produce a worse quality of loans. The presence of a negative relationship between the number of committees and bank performance suggests to limit and manage the complexity of governance in banks operating in the cooperative credit system.

A Chinese Perspective on Establishing a Cooperation Mechanism in the South China Sea

Since mid-2016, the situation in the South China Sea, as a whole, has remained stable and continued to develop in a positive direction. As a result of China＇s efforts, claimants of the South China Sea are now onthe correct path towards peace, resolving their disputes through negotiation and cooperation.

BRICS Cybersecurity Cooperation： Achievements and Deepening Paths

The year 2017 marked the beginning of the second decade of BRICS cooperation. Amidst the profound changes in the international security system, the BRICS mechanism has transformed from a forum focusing on economic governance toward a comprehensive cooperation mechanism that gives equal importance to political and economic governance.

The Changing Identity of China in Global Governance and International Institutions

As global issues become more prominent and complex, various actors in the international community are strengthening global governance through systems of international cooperation. Different international actors have different identities, responsibilities and roles in international institutions due to their comprehensive strengths. They are roughly divided into three types: followers, supporters and leaders. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, its process of participation in international institutions and global governance has been obviously staged.In recent years, China has actively participated in various major international activities and carried out a series of diplomatic activities at home, which further demonstrates its involvement from a single participant to both a leader and a participant. In the existing traditional, modified and innovative international institutions, China is essentially playing a dual role, namely the roles of participant and supporter, the supporter and reformer, and the supporter and leader.

The Theoretical Innovation and Exemplary Value of the Belt and Road Initiative

As a global public good, the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by the Chinese government features being "non-rivalrous" and "non-excludable," which are two essential characteristics of public goods. From design philosophy to operational framework, from vision to action, distinct Chinese characteristics, style and temperament are fully demonstrated by this initiative. In theory, the Belt and Road Initiative promotes multiple innovations in global governance and enriches and develops international cooperation and the global value chain. The "Silk Road spirit" inherits and innovates the core philosophy of China's diplomacy since 1949; more importantly, its principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration is a key contribution to global governance theory. In practice, the Belt and Road Initiative highlights both regional cooperation and international agreement, and initiates a new model for China's diplomatic practice and international cooperation. Therefore, it is of exemplary value in terms of development, peace, culture and cooperation, while offering a new solution to dealing with international relations in the era of Reform and Opening-up. The past three years has generated marked achievements. The Belt and Road construction is at a critical stage of transition from quantitative change to qualitative change, from small achievements to significant success. In the future, China should take the initiative to promote the construction of two principal axes, further integrate with the philosophy underpinning China's diplomacy as a major country, innovate the theoretical system of the Belt and Road Initiative and forge a corresponding security system. As the old Chinese saying goes, "Big countries should treat small countries with kindness and justice, while small countries should treat big countries with wisdom." China should properly address the competition and cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road and further advance institutional construction within the framework of its major country diplomacy.

Belt and Road Initiative and Possible Impacts on the SouthChina Sea Issue

Since China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative （BRI） in late 2013, the impacts of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road （MSR） construction on the South China Sea （SCS） issue become a focal point of both academic research and public concern. There are plenty of divergent opinions on whether the MSR will mean an opportunity for settling the SCS issue, or it will face the challenge of intensified maritime conflicts in this region. This paper first of all analyzes the significance of the BRI in the general picture of China＇s foreign policy. To ensure neighborhood diplomacy be in line with the BRI, China adjusts its SCS policy through rebuilding and consolidating political mutual trust with countries which have been involved into conflicts with China on the SCS issue; meanwhile, China promotes pragmatic cooperation under MSR framework to cultivate positive atmosphere and sense of community with a shared destiny. Both MSR construction and the addressing of the SCS issue are long-term issues, while the MSR provides an innovative approach to surpass existing disputes and focus on regional development cooperation. Hence, the MSR could be an opportunity to accelerate the resolving of maritime disputes.

Construction and Innovation of Model of Residence for the Aged in Urban Community

The 4-2-1 family structure has become many old people's choices under market economy circumstance. However,the community service for home care of elderly still has problems such as unsound service system, lack of resources integration, and lack of human resources etc. This paper attempts to construct new mode of cooperative governance of service for home care of elderly in urban community, explore the dynamic mechanism and implementation path for service for cooperative governance of home care of elderly in urban community,point out the power of cooperative governance of community service for home care of elderly,and accomplish institutional innovation such as cultivation of collaborative culture,open power system, flat organizational structure design and group design of public policies etc.

Study on Construction of Service-oriented Government at Grass-roots Level and Development of Farmers' Professional Cooperatives

Features of farmers' professional cooperatives in China are introduced.The establishment of these organizations is spontaneous.Their operation shows self-government.And their targets are highly pertinent.Then,I analyze the existing problems in farmers' professional cooperatives and vacancy of government functions.These cooperatives are single in content,narrow in service field,not scientific in management mode,and low in efficiency.In addition,government policy support is not put in place for these cooperatives.In view of these situations,firstly,it is proposed to speed up construction of service-oriented government at grass-roots level and promote development of farmers' professional cooperatives.Secondly,it is suggested to set up awareness of service-oriented government and enhance guidance and service for farmers' professional cooperatives.Thirdly,we should increase financial support and guide these organizations to achieve a benign development.Fourthly,we should strengthen propaganda to raise popularity and influence power of these organizations.Fifthly,it is recommended to make clear the guidance and leading functions of regional supply and marketing cooperatives to raise service efficiency.Finally,we should establish scientific evaluation and incentive system to push forward healthy development of farmers' professional cooperatives.