Global youngsters gather at 2025 Youth Pulse to foster connections and promote cultural understanding and cooperation

A high-profile, youth-focused gathering in Hong Kong has encouraged young people globally to forge connections, enhance cross-cultural friendships, and advocate for international cooperation, especially in an era marked by both challenges and transformative opportunities.

Over the course of five days, 2025 Youth Pulse brought together more than 1,000 young participants and industry insiders from the education, culture, and technology sectors from 15 countries and regions.

Themed “Youth Worldwide, Embrace Diverse Cultures”, the event was organized by China Daily Youth Channel, with 21st Century Media and Education and China Daily Hong Kong as co-organizers, aiming to provide a platform for dialogue and exchanges among young people. The International Centre for UNESCO ASPnet offered academic guidance, while the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region acted as the supporting organization.

During the event, participants received unique opportunities to explore the cultural landscape of the host city. They visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where they engaged with China’s millennia-old traditions, writing calligraphy on digital screens and experiencing traditional Chinese patterns through interactive installations.

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They also toured the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the offices of Sing Tao Daily, gaining insights into Hong Kong’s internationally-oriented education environment and media industry.

During a show featuring eight students from Hong Kong and Gordon Lee, a world champion harmonica virtuoso and a member of First Initiative Foundation’s Trailblazers, the audience enjoyed a medley of iconic Chinese and international pieces.

A highlight of the event was the English public-speaking showcase at Hong Kong Baptist University. Some participants used creative props to enhance their presentations, such as handcrafted dragon heads symbolizing traditional Chinese dragon dance culture; and some wore ethnic minority costumes, demonstrating their cultural identities while promoting diversity.

Jiang Leyan, a student speaker, said, “Although we have different cultures, speak different languages, and have varied experiences, we are all kindhearted and willing to help others in need. This is a language that transcends civilizations.”

James Booth, a judge at the public speaking session, emphasized the significance of such cross-cultural exchanges, saying, “The more we can communicate, the more ideas we can share, the more cultural exchanges we can have, and ultimately that would benefit everybody.”

In his opening remarks on Aug 5, Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, emphasized the great potential of young people 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 youth to act as “bridges for cultural exchange” by understanding 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.”

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 Special Administrative Region’s innovation and technology scene, 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.

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 foster communication between Chinese and international youth, encouraging exchanges and mutual learning.

Huang highlighted the bridging effect of both online and offline exchanges. Young people across the globe can gain insights into Chinese culture through social media platforms and cultural exchange programs — even without visiting Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland in person.

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, with its diverse cultural backgrounds, is well-positioned to play a greater role in fostering global understanding and mutual learning among the world’s civilizations, Huang said.

Yousriya Al Harthi, director for UNESCO Associated Schools (ASPnet), Youth programs and UNESCO Clubs, said that 2025 Youth Pulse, among various events that bring together young people from across the globe, is becoming increasingly important in equipping the next generation with the knowledge and awareness they need to build a better future.

At the closing ceremony, Tan Yan, deputy general-manager of China Daily Asia Pacific, said it had been inspiring to see young minds from diverse backgrounds and cultures communicating and forging new friendships. “In a world of digital divides, this opportunity for genuine human connection is invaluable,” she said.

This spirit of connection is the essence of what the Youth Pulse initiative seeks to achieve, Tan said. “To navigate this changing world, it is imperative that we champion a new philosophy — one built on mutual understanding, profound respect, genuine equality, and a commitment to shared success,” she added, noting that only then can an environment emerge where diverse civilizations can truly flourish together.

More than 60 youth flag-bearers from 15 countries and regions participated in a parade on Aug 5 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

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

He said the event had been an eye-opening opportunity to connect with peers from different cultures, learning about their backgrounds and discovering the shared similarities.

Eleven-year-old Tian Xinyu from Guizhou province brought a flag representing her hometown Guiyang. She said this was her first experience interacting with peers from so many different countries and provinces.

She recounted an inspiring conversation with a girl from Thailand, which encouraged her to continue improving her English-speaking skills to communicate with people from different cultures.

Jyothsna Yellai, who traveled 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.”

Xue Xinran, a high school student from Beijing, said it was awe-inspiring to see the unity and energy of young people from all over the world as they marched onto the stage with flags aloft. She said, “After I had described the event to a friend, she immediately wanted to join next year.”

Contact the writers at irisli@chinadailyhk.com