Guangzhou, one of the most developed Chinese cities, is building a communication and cooperation platform for Asian youth.
The Asia Youth Leaders Forum opened on March 25th. Nearly 400 guests and youth leaders from Asian countries gathered in Nansha to discuss how to improve youth cooperation, strengthen common values and promote peace and development in Asia.
In the three-day forum, guests and Asian youth leaders will discuss issues such as quality development, healthcare, global trends, finance and investment, cooperation and development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and discuss dialogues between youth leaders from China and the United Arab Emirates . It aims to foster people-to-people bonds in the countries along the “Belt and Road” and building a community with a shared future for humanity by harnessing the power of young people in global governance, sharing and mutual learning.
To motivate young people to make greater contributions to global governance, political leaders from several countries expressed their expectations for young people at the online or face-to-face forum.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said via video, “The strength and courage of Asia’s youth are needed to address the common problems of mankind.” Lee Jae-jung, vice chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Association of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea , declared: “Youth will play a bigger role in Asia.”
Youth leaders believe that all Asian countries have tremendous potential for cooperation in areas such as science and technology, culture, health care, finance and investment, and other key areas. As a platform for communication and cooperation, the Asia Youth Leaders Forum is widely recognized for the opportunities it offers young people.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a video, “I thank the Chinese for giving youth an opportunity to get involved…because a conference is just a catalyst for broadening our horizons.” Participants said that the forum played a positive role in promoting cooperation and outlined a bright future for Asia.
The Asia Youth Friendship Forest planting campaign will start after the conclusion of the forum to strengthen friendship among Asian youth.
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