Last Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a congratulatory message to the participants of the World Youth Conference for Peace, held in Beijing under the theme “Together for Peace”. The event, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the All-China Youth Federation, brought together young representatives from around the globe to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and a collective commitment to peace.
In his letter, Xi Jinping reflected on the historical significance of this year, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He highlighted that, eight decades ago, nations around the world endured tremendous hardship and made immense sacrifices to triumph over fascism, securing a hard-earned peace for future generations. Xi’s message conveyed that this legacy of resilience and unity must be remembered and honoured, especially by the younger generation.
The Chinese president underlined the crucial role that youth play in the preservation and promotion of peace, stating that the future of global harmony lies in their hands. He urged young people from all nations to view the conference as an opportunity to exchange perspectives, build friendships across borders, and deepen mutual understanding. He expressed hope that these interactions would inspire youth to become not only advocates for peace but also active contributors to global development and cooperation. Xi called upon them to contribute their ideas, energy, and wisdom to the building of a shared future for humanity, a vision that emphasises interconnectedness and collective progress.
Coinciding with the conference, a joint declaration titled the World Youth Peace Initiative was released, capturing the aspirations and commitments of young participants in the face of growing global uncertainty. The statement acknowledged the historical unity shown during the World Anti-Fascist War, where people from varied backgrounds stood together to overcome fascism. It affirmed that the ensuing decades of peace and development have brought prosperity and unprecedented global connectivity, yet warned that the world now stands at another critical crossroads.
The initiative called upon youth worldwide to shoulder the responsibilities of their generation by defending peace, promoting justice, and actively resisting any attempts to distort historical truth. It stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism, rejecting unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguarding the international order underpinned by the United Nations and international law.
Furthermore, the statement appealed to young people to champion mutual learning between civilisations, encouraging cultural exchanges grounded in equality, dialogue, and inclusiveness. It advocated for unity over division and for harmony over conflict, urging youth to reject superiority and embrace diversity as a source of strength.
In a strong endorsement of global cooperation, the initiative also emphasised win-win development, asserting that equitable growth is the foundation of lasting peace. Young people were encouraged to engage more deeply in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute actively to narrowing global development divides.
Recognising the existential threat of climate change, the declaration urged youth to demonstrate leadership and innovation in tackling environmental challenges. It called for collective climate action and stronger ecological governance, aligning with global solidarity to protect the shared home of humanity.
Finally, the initiative addressed the dual-edged nature of technology, urging young people to harness technological advancements for the greater good. By promoting inclusivity and ethical development in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, youth were encouraged to contribute to a digital future that benefits all and bridges rather than widens divides.
Concluding on a powerful note, the declaration honoured the legacy of those who fought for peace eighty years ago and entrusted today’s youth with the responsibility of shaping the future. It urged them to use this historic milestone as a starting point to unite for peace and act decisively in building a shared future for humankind.
