ASEAN-China: Nurturing the Next Generation of Young Leaders

The China-ASEAN Youth Festival, a collaborative effort between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China-ASEAN Association, and the Guangxi Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together over 100 delegates, including approximately 70 representatives of youth and friendship organizations from nine ASEAN countries.

The festival, themed “Youth Joining Hands to Build a Better Future,” kicked off with an opening ceremony held in Nanning, Guangxi on May 21, 2024.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, emphasized the dynamic and creative nature of young people and their crucial role in driving global development forward. He added that the festival offers a unique opportunity for ASEAN youth to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and gain valuable knowledge about the country.

The opening ceremony of the China-ASEAN Youth Festival, held on May 21, 2024, in Nanning, Guangxi, carried the theme “Youth Joining Hands to Build a Better Future.”

Mr. Yuan also expressed his hope that delegates would transcend language and national barriers, fostering sincere communication and solidifying international friendships.

A key highlight of the festival was the ASEAN-China Youth Forum, where student delegates engaged in thought-provoking discussions. They explored the festival’s role in fostering connections, promoting cultural exchanges, and enhancing understanding between ASEAN and Chinese youth, ultimately uniting to build a brighter future.

Among the speakers at the forum was Ha Tran Minh Phuong, a student from the Academy of Journalism and Communication of Vietnam. Phuong’s speech underscored the festival’s impact in facilitating connections, sharing experiences, and strengthening cooperation among young people from ASEAN and China.

The forum brought together exceptional young leaders who are committed to utilizing their knowledge, experiences, and networks to serve their nations. They aspire to become ambassadors of international friendship and cooperation, fostering stronger ties between ASEAN and China through increased exchanges, dialogue, and collaborative initiatives.

As part of the festival, delegates had the opportunity to immerse themselves in China’s rich culture and socio-economic developments. They visited landmarks such as the Guangdong Ethnic Museum, China-ASEAN Information Port, China-Singapore Logistics Park, and the China-ASEAN Commodity Exchange, among others. These experiences provided a deeper understanding of China’s cultural diversity and economic progress.

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations proudly sent a delegation of seven representatives to participate in the 10th AEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival.

At the closing ceremony, Ms. Gu Xiulian, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National Assembly of China and President of the China-ASEAN Association, highlighted the close geographical proximity, strong relationships, and shared future between China and ASEAN countries. She expressed her hope that the festival would encourage increased exchanges and shared experiences among the youth of China and ASEAN, fostering mutual development and a brighter future.

The Vietnamese delegation, along with delegations from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, presented a vibrant cultural performance to celebrate the festival’s success. Each country’s unique cultural elements blended to create a memorable and colorful spectacle.

The Vietnamese delegation left a lasting impression with their singing performance, “Co Doi Thuong Ngan.” This performance, a harmonious blend of music, lyrics, and dance, captured the creative and humanistic values of folk arts, resonating deeply with international guests and delegates.

Phuong Nguyen

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