Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The curtain closed at the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games on August 8 in Chengdu with spark and glory, and China topping the medal table. The closing ceremony was an open-air get-together full of fun and youthfulness. These 12 days of unending sports, thrills and companionship gave a breath of fresh air amidst the global chaos.

As Nelson Mandela said, "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair." Sport, a universal language, has proven to be a powerful catalyst for promoting peace and diplomacy on the global stage, as exemplified by the Summer Universiade in Chengdu, China.

This sports event, with athletes from 113 countries, displayed the harmonious unification of nations and demonstrated the spirit of friendly competition. The Universiade serves as a platform for youth from diverse backgrounds to interact, exchange ideas and build bridges of understanding and sportsmanship. As these young athletes engage in healthy competition and demonstrate mutual respect, they become ambassadors for peace, breaking down cultural barriers and promoting a sense of companionship that rises above geopolitical boundaries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the games, whose significance lies in fostering athletic competition, learning, friendship and mutual understanding among young athletes. The event served as a platform for "summer season diplomacy," with President Xi meeting leaders from various countries, including Indonesia, Mauritania, Burundi, Guyana and Georgia. By warmly welcoming foreign leaders and establishing partnerships, China emphasizes unity and cooperation among developing countries.

In addition, the Universiade is a platform for athletes to showcase their talents while promoting communication and unity among participants, highlighting solidarity over disputes. The event also marked a resumption of people-to-people exchanges on a larger scale after adjusting to pandemic prevention measures and lifting COVID-19-related concerns by the World Health Organization.

For the last 12 days, Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, has been buzzing with excitement. The city was decorated with banners and mascots. There are a few noteworthy aspects of hosting the games in Chengdu. First, Chengdu is known for its diverse culture and lifestyle, and it meticulously showcases the attractiveness of Chinese culture and colorful life. Secondly, it demonstrates China's balanced economic development across different regions, breaking the tradition of hosting such events in the eastern areas.

Thirdly, the games proudly introduced cutting-edge innovative technologies and green initiatives. The Chengdu Games have shown how well green transportation solutions can be implemented, utilizing sustainable energy to lower carbon emissions. Participants worldwide have been amazed by innovations like the "Low-Carbon Magic Cube" recycling machine and self-driving buses. Around 90 percent of transportation in Chengdu's Athletes' Village and downtown regions was powered by clean energy thanks to more than 1,000 clean-energy cars and 1,340 new-energy buses. The event also implemented environmentally friendly methods, showing China's dedication to a green economy and environment, which included recycling rainwater and using efficient cooling systems. The Games have also embraced smart technologies like AI, 5G, and cloud computing, which have improved event organization and provided athletes with a truly immersive experience.

In the past 15 years, China has proudly organized two Olympic Games and three Universiades. The 2008 Beijing Olympics made us think about "One World, One Dream." That spirit continued with "Together for a Shared Future" in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. And now Chengdu FISU Games have this awesome theme, "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True," which sure made many dreams come true.

One needs to understand the idea behind these sporting events; They are about more than just showing off China's athletic talents and mega-event management; more importantly, they are also about bringing people together and creating a better world through sharing cultures and learning from each other.

Overall, the FISU World University Games in Chengdu displayed the potential of China's western regions while promoting international friendship and understanding through sports. Through this shared pursuit, the Universiade became a messenger of peace and diplomacy, emphasizing the shared dreams and aspirations that unite humanity.It has sent a loud and clear message that cooperation, friendship and peaceful coexistence are the pathways to a brighter future for all, laying the foundation for closer cooperation between nations.

As the International Olympic Committee's President Thomas Bach said, "…athletes show the whole world that it is possible to compete with each other, while living peacefully together." Hosting the Universiade showcases China's determination to foster international cooperation, promote global understanding and build a community of shared future.

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