Beijing Women's Federation

To mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Türkiye, deepen people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between women of the two countries, and showcase China’s progress in women’s development and its achievements in digital intelligence applications, the All-China Women’s Federation invited a 10-member Turkish women’s delegation to visit China. The delegation was led by Zeynep Sibel Algan, former Turkish Ambassador to Senegal and a veteran diplomat. On the morning of October 20, the Beijing Women’s Federation hosted the delegation’s visit to the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA). The delegation toured the Innovation and Operations Center of the Beijing High-level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Area, gaining a close-up look at China’s integrated vehicle-road-cloud solution and the tangible outcomes of Beijing’s “Dual Intelligence” Pilot Program. They also learned about the contributions of women working on the front lines of autonomous driving research and development.

Zhao Lifeng, Vice Chair of the BDA Federation of Trade Unions and Director of its Women’s Work Committee, first introduced the BDA’s role as a major hub for Beijing’s advanced, high-end industries. She also outlined the committee’s initiatives to attract and support female talent and promote industrial innovation.

The delegation then entered the exhibition hall, where a themed promotional video presented the background and vision for Beijing’s “Dual Intelligence” Pilot Program. A guide briefed the delegation on global developments and innovations in autonomous driving, explained the distinctive advantages of the integrated vehicle-road-cloud system, and highlighted Beijing’s practical applications across five key areas: vehicles, roads, cloud platforms, networks and maps.

An increasing number of female researchers are now playing pivotal roles in tackling key technologies for intelligent connected vehicles. Among them is Song Juan, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Chewang Technology Development Co., Ltd. These women continue to contribute to Beijing’s “Dual Intelligence” Pilot Program.

Through videos and scale-model demonstrations, the delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the eight major autonomous driving application scenarios and the industrial layout developed in the demonstration zone. Autonomous vehicles are now widely used in mobility, security and other fields, with product design taking into account the needs of women, older adults and children to help create a safer and more convenient living environment.

After the tour, the delegation boarded an autonomous shuttle bus for an immersive ride on open public roads, experiencing vehicle-road coordination in real operating conditions. The smooth and comfortable ride left a strong impression on the visitors. “This is my first time riding in an autonomous vehicle, and it was a wonderful experience,” said Head of Delegation Algan. Members of the delegation eagerly asked questions about charging, driving range and other technical details, and expressed strong confidence in the safety, reliability and promising prospects of autonomous driving technology.

By showcasing real-world technological applications, the visit offered the Turkish delegation a vivid picture of Beijing’s smart city development and of women contributing to scientific and technological innovation. The event further strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between women in China and Türkiye, laying a solid foundation for broader people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation between the two countries in areas such as women’s development and technology-enabled empowerment.