Youth dialogue bridges global divides

The Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue concluded on Wednesday, with youth representatives launching a joint initiative to encourage worldwide participation in building a more harmonious, inclusive, open, and sustainable world.

The dialogue, covering areas that included AI, the digital economy, climate change, sustainability, mutual learning and cultural exchange, attracted 60 representatives from more than 30 countries and regions.

Zhang Yaqin, chair professor of AI science at Tsinghua University and dean of the university's Institute for AI Industry Research, shared some of China's cutting-edge AI technologies including software development, AI algorithms, electric vehicles and autonomous driving.

Zhang also encouraged global youth to come to China to get firsthand experience. "When I was in the US, there was a lot of misunderstanding about China. And I think when you come to see the technologies, see what is going on, you will be convinced," Zhang said.

Xue Lan, dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, shared information on an AEPC Industrial Sustainable Index while calling for a balance of industrial development and environmental protection.

Erik Solheim, chairman of the BRI International Green Development Coalition and former UN Environment Executive Director, praised China's green development, saying is the country now represents between 60 and 80 percent of the world's green power and transportation marke , and the lead nation in making new national parks.

Wang Hui, senior professor in liberal arts and dean of Tsinghua's Institute for Advanced Study in Humanities and Social Sciences, shared the importance of mutual understanding during times of crisis, including pandemic, climate change and possible financial upheaval.

The inaugural dialogue, hosted by the university and coordinated by Astana International University in Kazakhstan and Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, started in Shenzhen on Aug 20 and continued in Chengdu and Beijing.

Vadim Kuznetsov from Russia and Oyungerel Munkhbat from Mongolia, who had previously only been to Beijing, said they believed through the dialogue young participants find common ground to address global challenges and broaden their knowledge.