The Global Youth Culture Dialogue took place in Beijing on Sept. 20, focusing on "Enhancing Global Competence of Youth Through Competition and Cooperation." The event attracted over 100 youth representatives, athletes and experts from more than 20 countries to discuss how sports can foster global competence among young people.
Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Global Youth Culture Dialogue in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), highlighted the role of young athletes as bridges between China and the world. He reaffirmed CICG's commitment to establishing cross-border dialogue and learning platforms for youth, aiming to cultivate more youth pioneers in cross-cultural communication.
Yu Junsheng, director of the Information Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Global Youth Culture Dialogue in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Yu Junsheng, director of the Information Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, underlined Beijing's status as a hub for international exchange and cultural innovation. He encouraged young people to promote global unity through sports and to contribute their insights to cultural exchanges and mutual progress.
Yang Jiayu, winner of the women's 20 km racewalking at the Paris Olympics, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Global Youth Culture Dialogue in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Olympic champion Yang Jiayu, as a representative of young athletes, delivered an inspiring message, urging her peers to embrace the Olympic spirit and strive for excellence, and emphasizing the importance of perseverance in achieving fulfillment.
Experts and youth representatives take part in a panel discussion at the Global Youth Culture Dialogue in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
During discussions, experts and youth representatives explored the importance of competition and cooperation in sports.
Jorge Andrés Contreras, a Spanish-language expert at the Foreign Languages Press, noted that teamwork is essential for success and highlighted the need to respect rules and opponents in the pursuit of global competence.
Hélo?se Gentil, a French expert who worked on both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, underscored sports as a powerful medium for social connection and national representation. She noted China's impressive achievements in sports and expressed hope for increased Sino-French cooperation.
The event also featured a basketball exhibition game and cheerleading performance, enhancing the cultural atmosphere.
Co-organized by the ACCWS and the Information Office of the Beijing Municipal People's Government, the dialogue was held as a sideline event of the Beijing Cultural Forum. Plans for future events are in place to promote cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration among global youth.