ASEAN-China Youth Leadership Summit Successfully Held

On 23 June 2016, the ASEAN-China Youth Leadership Summit, hosted by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and Guangxi Education Department (GXED), was successfully held in Guangxi Normal University (GXNU) in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Summit, themed “joining Hands with Youth for a Better Future”, was aimed to enhance mutual understanding and communication between youth leaders of ASEAN and China. 

At the Opening Ceremony, more than 200 participants including over 70 youth leaders from 44 colleges and universities of 11 countries, officials from six countries’ Consulate Generals in Nanning and Guangzhou, as well as the representatives of international students’ parents attended the auspicious occasion. Mr. Tri Purnajaya, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of ACC, Mr. Yang Lin, Associate Counsel of Guangxi Education Department, Prof. Wang Nan, General Secretary of GXNU Party Committee, Mr. Liu Xuanqi, Vice Chairman Youth Association of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mr. Lin Yongquan, Director of ASEAN Department, Guangxi Daily, a member of CPPCC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee, were present and delivered their remarks, respectively.

Director Tri Purnajaya, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to GXNU and GXED for making the event possible. He said that the collaboration between GXNU, GXED and ACC reflected not only the growing importance between ASEAN and China, but also the strong commitment to further develop the relations, people-to-people connectivity and friendship. He further added that 2016 was a special year, marking the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, ASEAN-China Educational Exchange Year, the first year of the realization of ASEAN Community and the start of the 13th Five Year Plan Period of China, thus presenting the two sides with new opportunities for pragmatic cooperation in all sectors. He emphasized that youths shouldered responsibilities of future social development of countries. Exchange of views on common issues between the youths in this Summit would help cultivate young leaders with global visions and inclusiveness, enhance mutual understanding and friendship, and consolidate the basis for stronger ASEAN-China relations.

Prof. Wang Nan of GXNU, Mr. Yang Lin of GXED and Mr. Liu Xuanqi of Youth Association of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region recognized and highlighted the importance and significance of the Summit. They underlined the need for youth leaders to bear responsibilities, build a bridge of friendship, and contribute significantly to the development of ASEAN-China relations. 

During the discussion sessions in the Summit, 11 speaker representatives of youth leaders from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and East Timor addressed the participants on various topics, namely, Youth Growth and Challenges, Friendship, Communication and Development, Dreams and Future. The sessions were followed by sharing of views and experience, talents and dreams, as well as their decisions and confidence for creating a much better future.

Participants of the Summit also attended the “ASEAN-China Youth Leaders Plant Trees of Friendship” and Unveiling the Monument. The representatives of ASEAN-China youth leaders, together with the guests planted five trees, symbolizing the friendship and genuine desires between ASEAN and China.

At the Closing Ceremony, Mr. Luo Yaoguang, Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Exchanges Division of GXED delivered his remarks and noted that the Summit had been very successful. To celebrate the successful conclusion of the Summit, the students from ASEAN countries and China of GXNU entertained the participants with wonderful and colourful traditional and contemporary performances.