Forum shines spotlight on global youth

To better address global challenges, efforts should be made to create more opportunities for young people to enhance dialogue and foster understanding, attendees at a Saturday forum in Beijing said.

"This is an era of challenges and opportunities," said Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization and former counselor to the State Council. He mentioned geopolitical conflicts, post-pandemic economic recovery, and climate change among the challenges young people face.

On International Youth Day, the annual "Global Young Leaders Dialogue" forum was held by the CCG, which saw the participation of approximately 150 international youths, experts and scholars, embassy representatives, international organization delegates and business leaders from nearly 30 countries and regions.

IIham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan, wrote in a letter to the forum "the youth, a driving force of growth and prosperity in every country, is also a locomotive of global progress."

Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, said young people play a significant role in pushing their countries forward and addressing challenges.

"The strength and vitality of a nation rests in its young leaders. Young people are the agents of change. Blessed with unlimited curiosity and innovative genius, they have the will and confidence to take on challenges with resolve and determination, to transform their societies and world at large."

Participating youth said with the rapid advancement of technology, audiovisual communication has become a bridge connecting diverse cultures, backgrounds and regions. Through these means, they can easily communicate with individuals from around the world to share their perspectives and experiences, thereby promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding.

The participants said youth also represent future urban residents, offering a unique perspective on urban planning, design and sustainable development. They can contribute to the prosperity and progress of cities by engaging in community projects, innovation, entrepreneurship, and proposing sustainable development ideas.

"The fresh and individualistic lifestyles and values of young people are reshaping the urban spaces and architecture," said Shuhei Aoyama, co-founder of B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, a Silver Award winner at the 2016 Architecture Creation Awards.

Faced with the significant global challenge of climate change, young people can use education, innovation and action to convey the importance of sustainable lifestyles to society, inspiring broad awareness and action, according to attendees.

Olesia Ermakova, curator of SCOLAR Network Beijing Hub, shared her pursuit of a zero-waste lifestyle. She delivered her speech wearing clothes that had been upcycled from old garments."By rejecting what we don't need, we can better appreciate what we already have," she said.