Under the starry sky of Dunhuang's Mingsha Mountain in northwest China's Gansu Province, over 40 young leaders from China and Latin America gathered for a unique cultural experience. The night was illuminated with dazzling lights as participants enjoyed a spectacular open-air concert in the desert.
\"This is a one-of-a-kind experience, sitting in the desert, soaking in music and the atmosphere. It transcends mere music. It's a cultural moment,\" said Santiago Acosta, a Chilean participant, his face radiating excitement after his first desert concert.
The event was part of the 2024 \"Bridge of the Future\" China-Latin American Young Leaders Training Campus, organized by the All-China Youth Federation. For four days, young representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean crossed mountains, seas, and time zones to revisit the Silk Road, immerse themselves in a civilization spanning millennia, explore Chinese culture, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges.
Since its inception in 2015, the \"Bridge of the Future\" program has held eight sessions, providing a structured platform to foster friendship and collaboration among youth from China and Latin America. This year's forum in September 2024 welcomed nearly 70 participants, including young scholars and entrepreneurs from both regions.
Leaders of youth organizations and cultural representatives from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, and Venezuela exchanged views on cultural heritage protection, education on cultural preservation, and youth innovation and employment. Hu Baijing, vice president of the All-China Youth Federation, emphasized the long-standing history of cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Latin American countries, highlighting the role of youth in driving civilizational dialogue.
\"Young people across nations should actively promote the diversity of world civilizations, uphold shared human values, and contribute to the next decade of building a shared future for China and Latin America,\" Hu stated.
A Peruvian youth representative noted the comprehensive development of China-Latin America relations in recent years and highlighted the forum as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. \"The youth of both sides should utilize their wisdom, strengthen communication, and deepen cooperation to show the world a bright future for China-Latin America development,\" he added.
Reference(s):
Bridging cultures: China, LAC strengthen ties through youth exchange
cgtn.com
