HONG KONG – The global youth – one of the most dynamic forces driving international collaboration – are being encouraged to strengthen ties, act as bridges for cultural exchange, and become advocates for technological innovation in a world teeming with opportunities and challenges.

The message resonated at the opening of the 2025 Youth Pulse & World Youth Forum on Tuesday — a four-day event hosted by China Daily Youth Channel and the Global Innovation Center, with the support of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The event is co-organized by 21st Century Media and Education, and China Daily Hong Kong.

Under the theme “Youth Worldwide, Embrace Diverse Cultures”, the gathering has brought together more than 1,000 youth representatives, educators and cultural experts from 15 countries and regions. They’ll delve into four areas in the next few days — public speaking, financial literacy, emerging technologies, and artistic exchange.

In his opening remarks, Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, emphasized the great potential that youth hold in shaping a shared future.

“In this era filled with both vast opportunities and notable challenges, young people are equipped with the innovative thinking and broad perspectives necessary to lead and advance global peace,” he said.

Zhou encouraged the youth to act as “bridges for cultural exchange”, first by deepening their understanding of their own cultural histories. “This self-awareness will enable you to genuinely respect and appreciate the traditions of others, fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence of diverse cultures.”

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Given that young people’s innovative spirit is an engine for global cooperation and scientific breakthroughs, he urged the participants to take advantage of the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to become a hub for innovation and technology, as well as the rich opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Zhou also reinforced China Daily’s commitment to building platforms for young people to share ideas and pursue their dreams.

Houston Hou, executive secretary-general of the International Education Committee at the Global Innovation Center and WYF executive convener, stressed the significant role of young people in shaping the future amid global uncertainties and transformation.

“Real growth starts with real challenges — and young people should not only prepare for the future, but shape it,” he said.

Lindell F. Shumake, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Midwest University in the United States, struck a similar tone. “The most powerful tool for building a more peaceful and collaborative world is not technology or policy, but young people themselves,” he said.

The youth carry the mission of the future, with the passion and ability to change the world, Shumake said, adding that he’s confident the Youth Pulse & World Youth Forum would strengthen youth exchanges and contribute to China-US relations and global peace.

In an interview on the sidelines with China Daily, Huang Jingrui, spokesperson and press counselor of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, said he hopes this event will better foster communication between Chinese and international youth and encourage exchanges and mutual learning among the many peoples of the world.

Huang said modern youth, even if they haven’t had the chance to visit Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland in person, can still gain insights into Chinese culture through social media platforms and cultural exchange programs.

Ease of access has greatly reduced preconceived notions held by young people, whose ideas and perspectives are increasingly aligned, and who are viewing China with fresh and open eyes, he added.

Hong Kong is a place where people speaking different languages and with diverse cultural backgrounds can live and thrive together, Huang said, noting that the city is well-positioned to play a greater role in fostering global understanding and mutual learning among the world’s civilizations.  

As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, more than 60 youth flag-bearers from 15 countries and regions participated in a flag parade at the opening ceremony.

Among them was Branden McCluskey, a 15-year-old from Canada, who described the experience of waving his national flag as a moment of pride.

For McCluskey, the event has been an eye-opening opportunity to connect with peers from different cultures. He said it’s fascinating to learn about their backgrounds and discover the shared similarities.

Later this week, he will deliver a speech entitled “Expressing through Sound” at the Global Youth Cultural Exchange Conference organized by 21st Century Media and Education.

He admitted that the topic felt abstract, but said he was well-prepared and confident of winning an award.

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Eleven-year-old Tian Xinyu from Guiyang, Guizhou province, waved the city flag of her hometown. She said this was her first experience interacting with peers from so many different countries and provinces.

She recounted a meaningful conversation with a girl from Thailand earlier in the day, which deepened her appreciation for the value of learning English as a bridge between people from different cultures.

Jyothsna Yellai, who travelled from New Delhi with her 16-year-old son, underscored the importance of global cultural exchange among young people.

“I’m really glad that students are getting a world stage for cultural exchange,” she said. “It’s extremely important for the youth to interact more as this is the generation that’s going to be taking the world forward. A healthy exchange of ideas is essential.”

For Xue Xinran, a high school student from Beijing, the highlight of the ceremony was watching students from different nations march onto the stage with their flags. It was awe-inspiring to see the unity and energy of young people from all over the world, she said.

“After I had described the event to a friend, she immediately wanted to join next year.”

Bringing the opening to a close, Gordon Lee, a World Champion Harmonica virtuoso and a member of First Initiative Foundation’s Trailblazers, performed a medley of iconic Chinese and international pieces together with eight local primary and secondary school students.

Zheng Yucheng contributed to the story.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com