Int’l youth dialogue on world-heritage protection held in Honghe
The 2025 International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection was held in south Yunnan’s Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture on August 26.
The dialogue brought together over 100 guests, including international youth representatives, officials, journalists and thinkers from China and beyond. Diplomats from some 20 countries such as Laos, Nepal, Malaysia, Vietnam, Namibia, Nigeria and Lesotho, also attended the event.
Yu Yingfu delivers a speech.
Yu Yingfu, Vice President of China International Communications Group (CICG), said that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are crucial drivers for the progress of human civilization and global peace.
Given the current international landscape, multicultural exchanges and mutual learning have become even more important. Yu added youth from diverse countries have a joint responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage as a "bridge of culture."
Niu Yan delivers a speech.
Niu Yan, Director of the Information Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province, noted that Yunnan is home to six World Heritage sites, ranking second in China.
Yunnan is committed to protecting cultural heritage through inheritance. Niu hoped that international youth could present the true Chinese aspects to the world and use their youthful energy to promote harmonious coexistence among humanity.
Irina Bokova delivers a video speech.
Irina Bokova, Winner of the Lifetime Honorary Award at the Second Orchid Awards and Former Director-General of UNESCO, said that Yunnan’s tangible and intangible heritages have become a source of pride and belonging for its people.
She mentioned these heritages have boosted the cultural industry and cultural tourism, creating employment opportunities and driving local economy and social inclusion.
A thematic discussion
During the thematic discussion, international scholars from Tianjin University, Communication University of China, Shanghai International Studies University, and Zhejiang Gongshang University discussed on conservation of world cultural heritages and intangible cultural heritages.
Launch of the "Intangible Culinary Heritage Workshop--Renewal and Development Plan Mengzi Rice Noodles"
The event also rolled out the "Intangible Culinary Heritage Workshop--Renewal and Development Plan Mengzi Rice Noodles" and released the "Peace Relay, Youth Together" International Youth Honghe Initiative.
Youth representatives from Albania, Armenia, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Nepal called on young people worldwide to use cultural heritage as a bridge to jointly protect the roots of civilization and promote world peace.
Release of the "Peace Relay, Youth Together" International Youth Honghe Initiative
The International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection has been held for three consecutive years, serving as a platform for international youngsters to participate in heritage conservation and cultural exchanges.
Source: CICG; Trans-editing by Wang Shixue