UN@80: Through young eyes, visions of our shared future

Gazing at this set of images, one can almost hear the thumping heartbeat of scientific and technological innovation. In the Jiangmen Neutrino Laboratory and the Spallation Neutron Source Laboratory, researchers probe the truths of the universe and the microscopic world – a brave inquiry into the unknown. Shield tunneling machines burrow underground, and the innovative transformation of the chemical industry reshapes the contours of urban and industrial development. Offshore wind turbines and deep-sea jackets convert nature's power into clean energy, illuminating the path of sustainable development. Meanwhile, "China-made smart vehicles" are exported overseas, and port containers brim with the hope of trade, witnessing the vibrant boom of commerce. This mirrors the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure" and "Clean Energy," empowering development through technology. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, leveraging innovative achievements to fuel global economic progress; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as technological self-reliance and industrial stability fortify the foundations of security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, demonstrating China's commitment to propelling human civilization forward with technology. Together, they paint a beautiful blueprint for global development. /Jing Yan

Amid the vast landscapes of Iceland, a single figure stands still, gazing at the distant mountains. Dark clouds swirl, and snow-capped peaks emerge faintly through the haze, while the earth stretches out in vast tranquility. This scene echoes the UN Sustainable Development Goals' pursuit of "Life on Land" and "Climate Action," reminding us to cherish nature's gifts. It aligns with the Global Development Initiative, as safeguarding ecosystems lays the foundation for sustainable development; practices the Global Security Initiative, where stable ecology serves as a shield for human security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying reverence for nature and a shared commitment to preservation. Only through global cooperation can such distant mountains endure and ecosystems thrive, jointly forging a beautiful home for Earth. /Yan Lei

In the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang Photovoltaic Industrial Park meets a pleasant surprise after a desert storm – a huge rainbow arches across Shouhang Hi-Tech’s concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. Photovoltaic (PV) and CSP projects spread out in an orderly way, like dressing the desert in a "photovoltaic armor." This is not only a miracle of turning the desert into a "treasure" but also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Clean Energy" and "Climate Action," harnessing energy from the Gobi through technology. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, driving regional growth with green energy industries; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as energy independence underpins development and security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the wisdom of technology empowerment and ecological co-protection. It illustrates the beautiful possibility of nations joining hands to solve energy challenges and protect Earth’s home through innovation. /Chu Weimin

While strolling in the suburban Wild Duck Lake Park, a sudden thirst made me turn – and there, two vending machines stood quietly by the shore. In this remote area 80 kilometers from the city, they bring convenience. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "Quality Infrastructure," making life more accessible. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, enhancing people’s well-being through improved facilities; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as convenient services spread a sense of comfort; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, illustrating the spirit of sharing via small conveniences. They are a microcosm of technology and care, witnessing the effort to bring goodness to every corner and jointly forging a warm global home. /Mi Lebao

Under the blue sky, a horse gallops freely on a lush green hillside. This vibrant scene echoes the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Life on Land" and "Sustainable Agriculture" – safeguarding terrestrial ecosystems is safeguarding hope. It aligns with the Global Development Initiative, as a healthy ecosystem lays the foundation for industries and poverty reduction; practices the Global Security Initiative, where ecological stability serves as a shield for human security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying reverence for nature and a shared commitment to protection. By protecting every inch of land with action, we let ecological gifts illuminate a just and hopeful future. When nations join hands, we jointly build a beautiful home for Earth. /Gao Yuan

Under the blue sky, a horse gallops freely on a lush green hillside. This vibrant scene echoes the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Life on Land" and "Sustainable Agriculture"— safeguarding terrestrial ecosystems is safeguarding hope. It aligns with the Global Development Initiative, as a healthy ecosystem lays the foundation for industries and poverty reduction; practices the Global Security Initiative, where ecological stability serves as a shield for human security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying reverence for nature and a shared commitment to protection. By protecting every inch of land with action, we let ecological gifts illuminate a just and hopeful future. When nations join hands, we jointly build a beautiful home for Earth. /Gao Yuan

On a deserted outdoor platform, an old sofa leans quietly against the railing. This simple scene echoes the pursuit of "Sustainable Cities and Communities." Like a silent observer, it witnesses how urban spaces carry the warmth of life, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of fostering livable environments. This moment also resonates with the Global Development Initiative – urban facilities should be both functional and infused with humanistic care, energizing communities. It practices the Global Security Initiative, as stable public spaces form the bedrock of citizens' sense of safety. It embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the spirit of sharing and inclusion through ordinary corners. Each such small scene is a tiny testament to nations joining hands to build a beautiful global home, making development both powerful and warm. /Gao Yuan

Under the soft glow of the sun, a child stands by a fountain, gently touching the flowing water as droplets dance like joyful sprites. This innocent scene holds the seed of the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "Quality Education" – a child's curiosity about the world is the starting point for future efforts to protect ecosystems and drive development. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, laying a foundation for growth with innocence and beauty; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as stable living scenes form a backdrop of security for childhood and society; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the value of life’s authenticity. Let us safeguard this innocence. Through education and cooperation, we can protect our planetary home, letting more beauty accompany children’s growth and jointly building a sustainable future. /Chen Yabo

Sunlight cascades down, and solar panels, arrayed like orderly azure keys, seem to play a technological melody. Beneath them, unique textures etched by flowing water compose a harmonious duet between nature and technology. This scene dovetails with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Clean Energy" and "Climate Action," harnessing power from sunlight via technology. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, with green energy innovation driving progress; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as energy transition cements sustainable foundations; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the wisdom of symbiosis between technology and nature. Nations unite – let light energy brighten hope, and innovation safeguard ecosystems, jointly crafting a clean and beautiful portrait of Earth. /Chen Yabo

The Great Buddha gazes downward, its flowing robes spreading like drifting clouds, while a crescent moon hangs against the deep indigo sky. Moonlight spills gently over the eaves, and silent prayers seem to ripple through the night. This scene resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions," conveying hopes for a harmonious world. It aligns with the Global Development Initiative by nurturing the soul and fostering exchange through cultural heritage; embodies the Global Security Initiative, as prayers for peace reinforce the foundation of social stability; and exemplifies the Global Civilization Initiative, using religious and cultural symbols to promote the human spirit of safeguarding peace and upholding justice. In this quiet interplay of moonlight and Buddhist presence, serenity and justice grow over time, contributing to the creation of a better Earth for all. /Chen Yabo