CMG hosts 4th International Chinese Language Video Festival to promote multiculturalism

The 4th International Chinese Language Video Festival, hosted jointly by China Media Group (CMG), the UN Office at Geneva, the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the UN at Geneva, and other international organizations in Switzerland, took place at the Palais des Nations on April 23, local time.

Over 300 guests attended the festival, including Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva, and ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, along with diplomats, officials and youth representatives from various international organizations.

This year's festival, themed "Youth Together for a Better World," showcases video productions related to "youth" from around the globe. Launched on March 19, the event has received 1,009 entries from 47 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Thailand Poland, and Argentina.

"This year, with the theme 'Youth,' the fourth CMG Chinese Language Video Festival invited enthusiasts of Chinese culture worldwide," said Shen Haixiong, president and editor-in-chief of CMG. "Using visuals and cultural connections, we aim to highlight the dynamism of youth and the rich appeal of multiculturalism, building bridges of communication through language and imagery."

"We hope this event encourages more young people from abroad to visit and experience a true, multifaceted China in the new era," he said.

Young people are dynamic and innovative, qualities that CMG embodies as a media entity. Embracing the Internet and artificial intelligence, CMG has launched AI-driven products like the animated series "Poems of Timeless Acclaim" and "Chinese Mythology," the first multilingual microdrama entirely produced by AI, Shen noted.

"Enriching Chinese culture through videos and technology helps promote a shared future for the global community. CMG welcomes young people from around the world and looks forward to their participation!" he said.

"We are gathered here to celebrate the richness and diversity of world cultures. Language serves not only as a tool for communication but also as a bridge that spreads knowledge and connects people," said Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

"This year's theme aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UN is dedicated to fostering youth leadership and making them active agents of change and development. Today, we once again experience the allure of Chinese language and art and the impact it delivers."

"In today's diverse world, we are part of a global community. We should engage with different civilizations through equality, tolerance and friendship, and advocate for mutual respect to promote harmonious coexistence," said Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva.

"Young people hold the key to our future, and their involvement is crucial for peaceful development," he added. "This event, themed around youth, aims to deepen appreciation for Chinese culture, fostering understanding and connections across cultures to build a shared future for mankind."

An international jury of esteemed sinologists and senior program producers selected 18 awards across eight categories, including "Best Short Video Award," "People's Award," and "Special Award for Young Cultural Ambassadors."

The winning entries highlight young people's enthusiasm worldwide for engaging with Chinese cultural elements such as poetry, calligraphy, musical instruments, miniature carvings and traditional costumes, reflecting the unique appeal of China's rich traditional culture. Some winners will visit China this summer as new Young Cultural Ambassadors to explore its traditions and heritage sites.

At the event, young musicians from the Hunan Song and Dance Theatre performed a folk concert for guests. Additionally, a creative Chinese character exhibition fused traditional characters with contemporary digital media and innovative designs, showcasing the youthful vitality of ancient Chinese characters.

In 2010, the UN designated the "Chinese Language Day" to coincide with Guyu ("Rain of Millet"), the 6th of the 24 solar terms in traditional East Asian calendars, celebrating multilingualism and cultural diversity. This day also honors Cangjie, an important ancient Chinese figure, reputed to be the Yellow Emperor's official historian and the inventor of Chinese characters.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that CMG organized the event alongside UN Chinese Language Day.