Peking University, July 21, 2024: To commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, the U.S.-China Youth Leaders Dialogue was held at Peking University (PKU) on July 18, 2024. The event brought together over 200 students from nearly 50 universities across the two nations, including Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Chicago, Peking University, and Tsinghua University.

Participants announce the release of the "PKU Initiative by U.S.-China Youth"

Co-hosted by Peking University and the China Education Association for International Exchange, the event served as a platform for discussing global challenges such as cultural exchange, green development, and scientific innovation. The event also witnessed participants collectively issuing the "PKU Initiative by U.S.-China Youth," advocating for enhanced people-to-people and cultural exchanges and safeguarding green development.

Sub-forums

The event featured addresses from Vice Minister of Education Chen Jie, PKU President Gong Qihuang, and Honorary Dean of Yenching Academy of PKU Yuan Ming. It also included three sub-forums on “Youth Exchange and Understanding,” “Climate Change and Green Development,” and “Technological Innovation and Future Prospects, “ providing a venue for discussing global issues and fostering mutual understanding.

Yuan Ming delivers a speech

In her speech, Prof. Yuan Ming underscored youth's pivotal role in facilitating cultural exchanges between the East and the West and in mutual learning between civilizations. She stressed that facing global challenges and opportunities, youth from both nations should join hands, shoulder responsibilities, and act as bridges of communication to promote cooperation in science and technology, culture, and education.

Gong Qihuang addresses youth from two countries 

In his address, Gong Qihuang pointed out that the University will continue to promote educational exchanges between China and the United States and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with American universities to foster mutual understanding between the youth of both countries.

Chen Jie delivers a speech

Speaking at the event, Chen Jie said, "We are dedicated to granting every student that comes to China for study or exchange an immersive experience, where a real and stereo China could be vividly felt." He believes that what American students see, hear, and taste in person throughout the journey might make them realize that China is actually different from how it is presented in some books, classes, TV, or other media.



During the event, participants also emphasized the importance of enhancing China-U.S. youth exchanges, calling for expanded opportunities and fostering respect for diverse cultures. Recognizing the urgency of climate action, they advocated for joint efforts from youth, organizations, and businesses in both countries to promote sustainability under the banner of “one earth, one future.” Attendees reached a consensus on the crucial role of technological innovation in improving lives and called for collaborative advancements that benefit all of humanity equally.






Additionally, the event featured an international cultural festival that highlighted Chinese cultural heritage and technological advancements. Participants engaged in various activities, including exploring intangible cultural heritage such as Chinese calligraphy, Peking Opera masks, Chinese knots, and shadow play, as well as modern innovations like 3D printing.

At the closing ceremony, student representatives shared their reflections from the sub-forums, expressing enthusiasm and confidence in the topics discussed. The event concluded with the announcement of the “PKU Initiative by U.S.-China Youth,” marking a new chapter in understanding, exchange, and cooperation between the youth of China and the United States.

In November 2023, the Chinese government laid out a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over the next five years, aiming to further expand exchanges and promote mutual understanding between Chinese and American people, particularly among the younger generation.

In support of this initiative, China introduced the ”Young Envoys Scholarship (YES Program),“ which offers American youth increased opportunities to experience China firsthand.

This event exemplified the joint pursuit of peace, green development, and an innovative future by Chinese and American youth and underscored their wisdom and responsibility, injecting new impetus into the healthy development of China-U.S. relations. It also highlighted the importance of youth collaboration in building a better future for both countries and the world.

Written by: An Bingjie
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Source: PKU Office of International Relations; PKU News & Media Center; Xinhua