International youth gather in SW China for dialogue on cultural heritage protection

A group of young people from various countries have vowed to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual learning for the better protection of world heritage during a dialogue underway in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The event, which kicked off in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture on Thursday, focuses on how to leverage youth power to preserve the world's cultural heritage. It gathers diplomats, youth representatives and media professionals from around the globe.

Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, underlined the role of youth as "main forces of innovation" during a video speech.

"Youth have the creativity, the potential and the capacity to make change happen for themselves, for their communities and for the rest of the world," said Khan. "We should encourage the active participation of youth to make sure their voices are heard and they can be involved and contribute."

Yunnan Province has six world heritage sites, and Honghe Prefecture is home to the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, which was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2013.

During the dialogue, the Honghe Initiative was issued to advocate for the global youth to join the endeavor to protect the world's natural and cultural treasures for humanity, which highlights equality among civilizations, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness.

"We live in a peaceful country, but not in a peaceful world. I believe that only world peace can truly safeguard our world heritage," said Alobaidi Ameen Muneer, reporter for China Arab TV. "China is currently advocating for more countries to protect our world through common development, cooperation and dialogue together. I think it's very important."

"We should play our role as journalists not just by showcasing the beautiful landscapes through our cameras, but more importantly, by highlighting how local people passionately strive to protect their heritage," he added.

Yang Yuni, a local resident of the Hani ethnic group and a member of China's top political advisory body, said it's her obligation to engage in the undertaking.

"As young people in the new era, we need to continuously improve ourselves through learning. I believe we can innovate by blending our traditions with modern elements, making it easier for more young people to understand and appreciate our ethnic culture and heritage," said Yang.

The event came just three days following the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations commemorated on June 10, an initiative proposed by China.

"I think it's fundamental to start a permanent dialogue among civilizations, among countries, among (the) youth of the whole world. For that, we can take advantage of the new technologies and mechanism(s) that we have now, making it easier to establish such dialogue," Jose Francisco Diaz, minister of the Embassy of Columbia in China, told CGTN.

An international short video contest themed "lovable China" was also launched during the event. In the following days, the participants will tour the well-known rice terraces in the region to appreciate the spectacular scenery and learn more about the smart farming system that has lasted for over 1,300 years.