Youth Voices from CCAA Chart Future of Cultural Heritage at Honghe Dialogue
On August 26th, 2025, the "International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection," themed "Safeguarding Our Civilizational Roots for Shared Peace and Development," was successfully held in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts (CCAA) sent five international student delegates from Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos to take part in the event. Through a roundtable dialogue, the release of a joint initiative, and youth discussions, they showcased the commitment of young people to protecting humanity's cultural treasures.
Cultural Perspectives Meet: Global Youth Dialogue on Heritage Protection
The event attracted diplomatic envoys, international youth representatives, and experts and scholars from nearly 20 countries to join this gathering. Yu Yingfu, Deputy Director of China International Communications Group, emphasized in his speech that cultural exchange and mutual learning are vital drivers for the progress of human civilization and global peace and development. Against the backdrop of current international changes, he noted, multicultural exchange and mutual learning have become even more crucial, and youth from all countries share the responsibility to protect cultural heritage as a "cultural bridge." Ying Haizong, Member of the Honghe Prefecture Committee and Director of the Publicity Department, pointed out that Honghe has established a dialogue platform integrating "natural landscapes with ethnic culture" through regular international exchange activities, helping global youth appreciate the diverse charm of Chinese culture.
International student representatives from CCAA stood out with their remarkable performances at the event. Ong Xin Ning, a Malaysian youth representative and torchbearer for the 12th World Games, participated as a guest in the roundtable dialogue. Drawing from her experiences in international sports events and cultural heritage protection, she shared her insights, stating that young people should pass on the responsibility of cultural guardianship from generation to generation, just like passing the torch.
Hands-on Heritage: Empowering Cultural Transmission from Experience to Innovation
During the event, international youth representatives visited the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) workshops and historical sites in Honghe. They gained hands-on experience in ICH items such as the Yi people's Haicao Tune, Miao embroidery, and the preparation of Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles. At the Zhicun Railway Station, the faded yellow walls bore the marks of time, and beside the aged wooden platform, Vietnamese student Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa remarked, "This railway connects China and Vietnam. We young people need more face-to-face communication to build friendships. I came to China not only to acquire professional knowledge but also to understand Chinese culture. At the same time, I am eager to share with my Chinese classmates a real and multifaceted Vietnam."
Youth in Action: Students from Three Nations Launch the Honghe Initiative
At the "Peace Relay, Youth Journey" International Youth Honghe Initiative Launching Ceremony, Vietnamese student Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, Nepalese student Shreeju Kapali, and Malaysian student Denzil Chang Yeong Sheng from CCAA jointly participated in the reading of the initiative. They called on global youth to use cultural heritage as a bridge to promote civilizational dialogue and advance peace and development.
Cultivating Global Vision: CCAA's Practice in Nurturing Cultural Ambassadors
CCAA has long been committed to nurturing talents in cultural heritage with a global perspective. In recent years, by organizing student participation in events such as the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival and the International Poetry Week, CCAA has established a holistic educational model that integrates "cultural immersion, academic observation, and creative communication."
It is reported that the event was guided by China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Information Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province, organized by China International Publishing Group, and co-hosted by the Information Office of the People's Government of Honghe Prefecture, the Cyberspace Affairs Office of the Honghe Prefecture Committee of the CPC, and CICG International Communication Development Co., Ltd. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event aimed to deeply practice the Global Civilization Initiative, using the protection and inheritance of world cultural heritage as a bond to enhance exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, gathering youthful strength to advance world peace and development. The active participation of the youth representatives from CCAA highlighted the unique role of universities in promoting youth exchanges within civilizational dialogues, injecting youthful energy into the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Moving forward, CCAA will continue to encourage students to interpret cultural heritage from a youth perspective, empowering them to become envoys of mutual learning among civilizations.
