Young leaders build mutual understanding in Hangzhou finale
From Nov 13-17, over 30 young speakers from more than 20 countries convened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, for the 7th Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition (BRESC) global final. Under the theme “Overcoming Bias in the Digital Age”, the event served as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue, youth empowerment, and mutual understanding among Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.
Cambodian contestant Lam Lykeo was crowned champion, lauded for her compelling delivery and nuanced cultural insights. “My expectation was to meet new people, learn about their cultures, and share ideas, not just compete,” Lam said. “Competitions like this truly bring people together, broaden horizons, and remind us of the importance of understanding different cultures to work toward a better society.”
Charu Acharya from Nepal secured the first runner-up position. Representing winners from the 7th Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition Southeast Asian Region and the MicUp English Speaking Competition, Acharya expressed both joy and gratitude.
“I was very excited and pleased, and seeing everyone be so happy for me was very heartwarming. I worked hard for this, so I’m overjoyed,” said Acharya. She also emphasized how meaningful the award is to her personally. “Language has always been important to me, and being able to communicate on such a big stage is very special.”
Her victory sparked an emotional celebration among fellow students from the Southeast Asian contest region, who erupted in cheers upon hearing her name. Her mentor, Nisha Giri, spoke highly of the competition. “The journey became a tapestry of human connection,” she said. Despite language barriers, participants bonded through gestures, translation apps, and shared emotions. The experience shattered stereotypes about China, she added, replacing preconceptions with genuine human empathy. “This event didn’t just win a title; it stitched our civilizations together. The memories of shared tears and friendships outweigh any trophy.”
Yang Ling, director of the Student Competition Guidance Center of the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Nanjing Normal University, and final-round question master, observed significant growth in participants’ critical thinking and intercultural fluency. “Their ability to engage with complex, globally relevant topics has deepened significantly,” she said. “Domestic students often frame the BRI as a policy project, while international peers see it as a philosophy of shared progress. These differing lenses enrich the dialogue.”
In the days leading up to the finals, contestants immersed themselves in a curated cultural itinerary across Hangzhou. They visited the Future Sci-Tech City Exhibition Hall and BrainCo, a pioneer in AI-driven healthcare. Russian student Anna Vilkova said, “I saw how AI is solving real-world problems, it’s inspiring to imagine how this technology can benefit people’s lives in my own nation.”
At the Liangzhu Museum and Archaeological Site Park, participants explored China’s 5,000-year-old civilization. “Standing there felt like touching a bridge between past and present,” said Philippine delegate Nicole Andrea Longakit Averion. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s San La Wun Thu reflected on the iconic West Lake: “The blend of natural beauty and heritage here is unforgettable. This trip has changed how I see China — it’s not just modernization, but a living connection to its roots.”
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The five-day event culminated in an awards ceremony on Nov 17, celebrating not only oratorical skill but also the spirit of global citizenship. As delegates departed Hangzhou, they carried with them not only accolades , but also renewed commitments to fostering understanding across borders, embodying the BRI’s vision of a connected, collaborative future.
The BRESC was held concurrently with the 30th “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition grand final, which brought together over 400 top Chinese speakers for six days of intense competition.
About BRESC:
Since its inception in 2019, the China Daily Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition has become a premier global event for young orators, offering a dynamic stage for teenagers worldwide to connect, learn and grow. The competition has engaged over 10,000 contestants from 51 countries and regions, embracing a spirit of multicultural youth exchanges.
Launched through a partnership between VDO English, China Daily Hong Kong’s educational unit, and RVIPS, the publishing and event arm of Thailand-based The RVi Group, the Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition Southeast Asian Region and the MicUp! English Speaking Competition celebrates top linguistic talent from across the region. Its mission is to amplify youth perspectives and integrate their voices into global conversations.
Contact the writers at evanhuang@chinadailyhk.com
