UN@80: Youth visions for a shared tomorrow

On the first morning of 2024, sunlight scattered like gold dust over the Bund. Dragon dancers leaped with vibrant energy, their gilded scales shimmering in the dawn light, weaving between the metallic outlines of modern skyscrapers. This scene embodies the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "cultural heritage and innovation," where traditional culture finds new life through contemporary expression. It resonates with the Global Development Initiative by leveraging cultural vitality to foster exchange and drive progress; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as cultural identity strengthens social cohesion; and reflects the spirit of the Global Civilization Initiative – an ancient symbol glowing alongside urban landmarks, conveying a shared commitment to preserve culture and move forward together. This moment adds a rich layer of human warmth and cultural light to our global community. /Chen Yabo

The C919 – A Pillar of National Pride: In the twilight, the C919 stands serenely, its fuselage bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Through the "Large Aircraft Campus Outreach" program, aviation students experience an up-close encounter with this national pride. This moment reflects the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure," fueling progress with breakthroughs in aviation technology. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, injecting dynamism into global industries via exchanges in high-end manufacturing; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as independent aviation capabilities fortify the bedrock of transportation and development security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, highlighting China's commitment to building a brighter future through innovation, openness, and collaboration – a testament to advancing our global home. /Zhang Ziheng

Yaoyao's Pure Joy: In the frame, a child holds candy and smiles, pure joy radiating a healing warmth. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "No Poverty" and "Quality Education" – may every child enjoy a sweet childhood. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, nurturing children's growth with care; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as stable childhoods form the bedrock of social peace; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying our commitment to safeguarding children and pursuing justice. Let us join hands, leveraging development and cooperation to erase poverty's bitterness, to give children a future filled with sweetness, and jointly build a beautiful global home. /Zi Yunlong

First Glimpse of the World: The camera freezes a moment: a child wearing oversized glasses, beams with a sweet smile on the sofa. Their innocent face brimming with the wonder of their first encounter with the world. This scene resonates with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Quality Education" and "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" – may every child grow up in a secure environment to thrive. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, laying a foundation for children's futures through education; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as stable childhoods form the bedrock of social peace; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the warmth of safeguarding innocence and jointly building a beautiful world. Let us join hands, harnessing development and cooperation to protect the purity of children's dreams. May peace and justice illuminate every childhood, as we co-create a warm home for our planet. /Xu Lifang

Letter Between Tides: Between the sea and the sky, the ferry serves as a mobile classroom, sailing with hope. It acts as a messenger between the sea and the sky – old books resonate with the lighthouse and waves resemble the pages of the Earth. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Quality Education" and "Sustainable Transportation," using the ferry to convey knowledge and bring education to distant places. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, empowering exchanges through transportation connections; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as stable shipping safeguards the peace of the ocean and coastal areas; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the warmth of knowledge sharing and joint ocean protection. Let all nations work together to let the ferry, this messenger, carry knowledge and hope to every coastline, jointly building a beautiful global home. /Hu Rui

Living in Harmony, Protecting What Is Good: On the green space in Auckland, New Zealand, the sunset casts a gentle glow over the city and the ocean. A couple leans quietly against a bench; lush vegetation, clear waters, and the urban skyline blend harmoniously, while sunlight filters through the clouds and spills down. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Sustainable Cities and Communities" and "Climate Action," showcasing the beauty of symbiosis between nature and humanity. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, enhancing life through eco-friendly livability; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as a beautiful environment strengthens both spiritual and ecological security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the warmth of jointly protecting nature and sharing peace. Let all nations join hands to spread symbiotic realms across the world and paint a peaceful backdrop for our global home with ecological beauty. /Zhuang Junjie

Dialogue in Kazanqi: In Kazanqi Town, Xinjiang, between blue-hued walls and a cobalt-colored couch, a couple sits face-to-face, chatting quietly about daily life. Tea sets are serenely arranged on the table, accompanied by distinctive ethnic-styled patterns. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "Cultural Heritage and Inclusion," letting ethnic culture flow through daily life. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, fostering cultural pluralism through exchanges; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as cultural identity strengthens social cohesion; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying respect and inclusiveness for folk customs. Through casual conversations, we safeguard cultural roots adding humanistic warmth to our global home. /Zhuang Junjie

'Bayi Hao' – The Mobile Steel Backbone: Under the steel canopy of Hefei Locomotive Depot, the "Bayi Hao" train stands quietly. Once, it weathered trials and tribulations relying on industrial innovation, upholding the glory of the railway mission. Now, it still stands watch over transportation arteries. This scene aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure," empowering development through railway equipment. It echoes the Global Development Initiative, promoting exchanges through transportation infrastructure; aligns with the Global Security Initiative, as stable railway operations safeguard logistics and economic security; and embodies the Global Civilization Initiative, conveying the inheritance of the striving spirit and a sense of responsibility. May this steel “dragon” pave the way for peace and justice, helping build a beautiful global home. /Zhuang Junjie

A Meeting Before the Glacier: At the turquoise glacial lake of New Zealand's Cook Glacier, sunlight pierces through the clouds, gilding the silhouettes of a father and son. The father leans forward slightly, sheltering the child in his arm; the boy tilts his head back, laughter mingling with the murmur of melting glacial waters. I gently press the shutter, capturing this moment. It's not just a tender scene between father and son, but a wordless dialogue between humanity and nature. The glacier silently witnesses the passage of time, and the land nourished by its meltwater breeds hope – much like our efforts to safeguard the ecosystem. These efforts, carried by the Global Development Initiative, sheltered by the Global Security Initiative, and illuminated by the Global Civilization Initiative, plant the seed of "cherishing the Earth" in every heart. Together, we build the foundation of sustainable development, ensuring our planetary home remains forever beautiful. /Zhuang Junjie

Wind Turbines: Harmony in the Mist: At dawn, mist drifts over the wetlands, and reed beds sway softly in the breeze. In the distance, wind turbines stand in quiet majesty; as their blades turn, they convert the wind's energy into electricity. Migratory birds glide across the sky in formation, merging seamlessly with the turbines and the wetland landscape. This scene epitomizes a dialogue between humanity and nature – by building wind turbines, we harness clean energy to protect ecosystems, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Climate Action" and "Clean Energy." It also reflects the Global Development Initiative, improving ecosystems with green technology; the Global Security Initiative, securing homes through ecological stability; and the Global Civilization Initiative, spreading the warmth of collective nature conservation. The wind blows and our commitment endures. May humanity's presence become a beautiful fragment of nature's tapestry, jointly creating a clean home for our planet. /Mi Lebao