Haizi: I no longer ask, as I did in childhood, what lies beyond the sea. Now we know all too well the damage that has taken place on the other shore. The vastness and freedom of the ocean, paired with the vigor and vitality of youth – such a beautiful union, yet one that pierces us more deeply, compelling us to reflect on the need to protect our environment. Waves crash gently against the shore, sea breezes brush across our faces. Every act of quiet guardianship, every stretch of ocean watched over, is a silent response to the call for sustainable development. And each moment reminds us: the future of humanity and nature can only endure if we walk hand in hand. /Zhang Mingliang

Endless Rain: The morning light is faint, and the rain falls like a woven curtain. A sanitation worker braves the rain to sweep the streets, while a large umbrella painted on the wall seems to shelter her from the storm—ordinary acts creating beauty, ordinary lives earning respect. That “umbrella on the wall,” quietly shielding a worker in the rain, is society's gentle and fair tribute to those who give selflessly. The streets in the rain are unusually calm, reflecting the quiet foundation of urban life. Respecting every ordinary contribution is more than courtesy – it is a way of building everyday justice and harmony. Hands that diligently sweep the streets secure livelihoods and dignity, while bringing cleanliness and order to the city. This is a vivid illustration of UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): every job deserves respect, every labor deserves appreciation. Such steadfastness aligns with global development initiatives – eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive growth rely on the stability and dedication of countless ordinary roles. It also echoes the ideals of global civilization initiatives, which emphasize mutual respect and understanding; a society that values and honors labor is a truly civilized society. In the steady rain, it is these countless ordinary figures who quietly gather into a force that propels society forward. /Zhang Hongwei

Across the Mountain: Between heaven and earth, a lone rider and horse press forward with unwavering resolve. The vast grasslands stretch toward snow-capped mountains, revealing the grandeur and majesty of the land. This image captures the spirit of a child of nature, conveying a profound sense of responsibility for the earth – cherishing every inch of soil and safeguarding a home where all life coexists. Such stewardship concerns not only ecological balance but also the sustainable development of human society. When we respect nature and promote fairness and shared prosperity, this responsibility transcends borders and cultures, becoming a force that drives the world toward a more harmonious future. /Huang Lin

Homeward at Dusk: The Sunset Platform, Reflecting China's Migration Wave: Population mobility stimulates the vitality of development, but also exposes fairness challenges such as regional disparities and uneven resource distribution. Development needs to be inclusive and shared. By leveraging policies to guide the downward flow of resources and new infrastructure construction, the gaps can be bridged, enabling more people to participate and share the fruits of growth. Moreover, social progress should not be limited to the economy but should benefit every corner in aspects such as education, healthcare and public services. The individual's journey home is connected to the social vision – development and fairness are like a knife and a whetstone. Only by grinding against each other can the barriers be broken, allowing every striver to share the fruits, embracing a more balanced dawn, and making the development of society more sustainable and universal. /Wu Tianci

"Picasso" Meets "Blue and White Porcelain": On April 8, 2025, in Taoyangli, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, Canadian ceramic artist Prashant Miranda painted for a female ceramicist working on a glazed piece, and the two happily posed for a photo together. The term “Yangjingpiao” refers to foreigners who come to Jingdezhen to engage in ceramic work or artistic creation. Each year, around 5,000 of them gather here, becoming a unique sight in the city. Their creations breathe new life into traditional ceramics and, through daily exchanges and collaborations, closely integrate craft, creativity and social sharing. In doing so, cultural innovation becomes a new driver of local development. These seemingly ordinary interactions highlight the power of respecting culture, fostering innovation and promoting sharing, while also demonstrating the possibilities for sustainable development. /Shi Weiming

Grasslands Alive with Life: The picture was taken on the vast prairie of Xiwu Zhumqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the horse herds thrive free. The image not only showcases the flourishing ecology but also reflects the care of the grassland people for the land, prairie and living beings from generation to generation. Through long – term herding and conservation practices, the grassland ecosystem renews itself, the water source cycle is maintained, and biodiversity is preserved. This balance between humanity and nature is a vivid manifestation of sustainable development. Rational management and protection not only enable the healthy growth of the horse herds but also allow the community to share the ecological dividends, enabling the coordinated development of the grassland's culture, economy and natural environment, presenting a sustainable and prosperous scene. /Hao Shen

Chongqing Monorail: The Chongqing Rail Line 2 shuttles through the mountains and forests, which is an achievement of industrial innovation. It breaks through topographical limitations with the power of science and technology. The power of science and technology coexists harmoniously with the natural ecology. At the same time, it constructs a convenient urban transportation network, enabling different groups to share the benefits of travel. In the process of protecting the terrestrial ecology and balancing urban development and the natural environment, it also echoes the concept of sustainable development – making innovation and convenience go hand in hand, conveying the warmth of social fairness, and writing a dynamic chapter in the urban development of Chongqing, China. /Qi Shi