NEWS

The 2024 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads concluded in Nanjing

Oct 10, 2024

On September 27, the 2024 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads concluded in Nanjing. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, delivered a video message, along with Chen Zhichang Mayor of Nanjing People's Municipal Government. Ge Siying, Deputy Secretary-General of Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and Sunjoo Lee, President of Asia Pacific Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, also attended the closing ceremony and delivered speeches. Municipal officials Chen Yong and Sun Baijun participated.
 
In his speech, Chen Zhichang pointed out that Nanjing has historically been an important window for China's openness to the international world. In recent years, it has deepened its engagement within the Silk Road network, generating numerous stories of friendly exchanges. This year marks the 11th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative, and it is also the seventh time we have hosted the Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage. He hopes that everyone will take this opportunity to become "publicity ambassadors" for Nanjing's image, helping more people to understand and visit Nanjing; to be "cooperation ambassadors" for innovation and entrepreneurship, seeking innovative spaces and entrepreneurial opportunities in Nanjing to realize personal value and achieve youthful dreams; and to act as "friendship ambassadors" for the Silk Road, contributing youthful strength to promote high-quality co-construction of the Silk Road and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
 
At this forum, youth representatives from 53 countries engaged in discussions around the theme "Reimagining Our Heritage: Stories of Resilience and Change" and participated in a variety of cultural activities. During the closing ceremony, youth representatives of the Silk Road spoke, and an awards ceremony was held for outstanding creative works themed "My Beautiful Hometown."