Six sub-forums are taking place on the sidelines of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. One of them is focusing on how young people can impact and shape the future of both their country and the continent. The sub-forum has gathered leaders from across Asia who are guiding young people in various spheres of life. CGTN's Omar Khan has more.

It's a congregation of youth representatives from China and across Asia. Nearly 300 attendees from 14 countries are attending this sub-forum, and putting their heads together on how they can build a common future for their continent. Here at the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, youth panel discussions cover topics such as mutual learning, innovation of Asian culture and youth participation, and much more.

HE JUNKE FIRST SECRETARY, COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE OF CHINA "Young people from all Asian countries should promote their local traditions and cultures. They should engage in more communication and international exchanges so that all Asian cultures can merge and gain a greater sense of co-existence. Reality and history should live together, so let us pass the spirit from generation to generation."

Sponsored by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the All-China Youth Federation, the sub-forum aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation among youth organizations throughout Asia. Breaking down barriers and enabling youth platforms to better connect, is one way of bringing cultures and visions closer together.

KENNETH FOK VICE PRESIDENT, FOK YING TUNG GROUP "So it's great that China is taking this initiative, but the key to success is more nations join this platform. I think this is important and today is a great start. I look forward to the future, and that more and more countries join, and it's not just Asia. I think we should move towards a goal of having a dialogue for the world's youth."

The event is also about reflecting on the past, and guiding youth to better understand their history, so that Asia can move towards greater co-existence and a more integrated community.

YANG YANG VICE PRESIDENT, ALL-CHINA YOUTH FEDERATION "Young people are the future of humanity. I think for young people they have to understand how important it is to connect our community, to work together. This is very important."

The connectivity of youth, however, goes beyond cultural ties and the theme of Asian civilizations. Many of the delegates here represent youth participation in sport, entrepreneurship and business. And no matter what the medium is, the roles these people play will be pivotal in determining Asia's transformation.

OMAR KHAN NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER, BEIJING "The fact that young politicians, artists and even internet celebrities from across Asia, are participating at this sub-forum, signals that this platform is inclusive of those from all walks of life. But it's exactly these young people here that are going to forge the future of their respective countries, and possibly have the greatest impact on the Asian continent. Omar Khan, CGTN, Beijing."