A Global Gathering for Peace
This week, Peking University in Beijing welcomed 3,000 young leaders from 130 countries and regions to the World Youth Conference for Peace. Against the backdrop of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in World War II, participants gathered to explore how today's youth can shape a more peaceful future.
Leaders Urge Reflection and Cooperation
In a message sent to the conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the hard-won peace achieved 80 years ago and stressed that "the future of peace depends on the youth." He encouraged attendees to "exchange ideas, enhance understanding and forge friendships."
Jacobo Garcia, President of the Global Youth Leadership Forum, told CGTN that global challenges demand global responses: "If you only give local answers, you are not going to be successful … I agree 100 percent about the importance of reinforcing global cooperation."
Leonid Petukhin, Vice-chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Association, added that remembering the past is key to building a better future: "We must remember the past to build a brighter and better future for all humankind."
The World Youth Peace Initiative
With the theme "Together for Peace," delegates launched the World Youth Peace Initiative, calling on their generation to unite in safeguarding peace, promoting development, and shaping a shared tomorrow. The initiative's statement reminds youth that "only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future."
Carrying the Message Forward
Ly Navuth, Advisor to the Council of Ministers and member of the UYFC Central Committee of Cambodia, urged: "Peace starts with people. It starts with us." He hopes the conference theme will evolve into a global movement, inspiring unity across communities and nations.
As 3,000 voices echoed across campus, the message was clear: today's youth are not just inheritors of history but architects of tomorrow's peace.
Reference(s):
Young people from home and abroad call for unity at peace conference
cgtn.com
