In today's rapidly changing world, where globalization and multiculturalism are deeply intertwined, young people stand at the forefront as the future of nations and the hope of humanity. They bear the critical mission of fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding and promoting the shared development of civilizations. Cultivating globally-minded youth with cross-cultural competence and a strong national identity has become a common goal among nations.
During the inauguration of the Shine Tak Foundation's sixth board of directors, general consuls and ambassadors from Madagascar, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Belarus gathered in Hong Kong to discuss the theme of "Promoting International Youth Exchange and Cultural Understanding". They shared their national policies and cultural visions through diverse perspectives, offering profound insights into youth development and inspiring Hong Kong's efforts to foster deeper intercultural dialogue and nurture future global leaders.
National Policies: Building Bridges for Youth to the World
The consuls universally recognized cultural exchange as an indispensable component of youth development, vital for broadening horizons, enhancing understanding, and laying the foundation for global peace and cooperation.
Ambassador Jean Louis ROBINSON Richard of Madagascar emphasized that the government recognizes education as vital to national development, focusing on enhancing young people's international competitiveness. Beyond encouraging participation in global competitions like the Huawei ICT Competition, Madagascar actively promotes educational collaborations with France, China, and India, offering scholarships abroad. Environmental education also plays a key role, with international partnerships fostering youth awareness of ecological conservation and global responsibility.
The consuls universally recognized cultural exchange as an indispensable component of youth development, vital for broadening horizons, enhancing understanding, and laying the foundation for global peace and cooperation.
Consul General Riaz Ahmed SHAIKH of Pakistan shared that Pakistan's youth policy supports holistic development, covering education, skills training, employment opportunities, and mental health support. He highlighted that Pakistan regularly hosts the "International Youth Leadership Forum," inviting young leaders worldwide to discuss global challenges and cooperation. Moreover, Pakistan has launched several youth exchange programs with China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, promoting cross-cultural understanding through short-term study tours, cultural immersion, and volunteer service.
Consul General Riaz Ahmed SHAIKH highlighted that cultural exchange is a gentle yet profound influence that is more effective than rigid regulations in breaking down barriers. He shared stories of Pakistani youth serving as cultural ambassadors at international festivals, showcasing their vital role in fostering people-to-people connections.
Consul General Ellias Mutamba of Zimbabwe noted that Zimbabwe implements a "Student Overseas Exchange Program," allowing outstanding high school students to study in countries like China, Japan, and the UK. Zimbabwe encourages participation in Model United Nations conferences and International Youth Science Olympiads, fostering global awareness and leadership skills. He also mentioned that the government is promoting Youth Innovation and Technology Centers to empower young people to engage with global innovation trends.
Consul General Ellias Mutamb remarked that cultural exchanges nurture global adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills among youth, enabling them to thrive in a diverse world. He cited Zimbabwean students' enthusiastic participation in Chinese cultural immersion programs as a prime example.
Consul Clemens Triaji Bektikusuma of Indonesia explained that to meet globalization challenges, Indonesia launched the "Thousands of Youth Overseas Scholarship Program" to sponsor promising young talents for overseas studies annually. He shared that the Ministry of Culture actively promotes the "Youth Cultural Ambassadors" program, sending young Indonesians abroad to showcase the nation's arts and culture. Indonesian youth also excel in international sports and technology competitions, with the government encouraging them to embody a new, dynamic image of Indonesia on the global stage.
Consul Clemens Triaji Bektikusuma of Indonesia pointed out that acculturation rather than cultural conflict should define globalization. Indonesia encourages its youth to seek common ground within cultural diversity, fostering stronger bonds among Belt and Road countries.
Consul Oludare E. Folowosele of Nigeria shared that besides advancing education reforms, Nigeria strongly emphasizes nurturing young talents in technology and innovation. He highlighted the "African Youth Innovation Challenge" as a significant platform encouraging youth entrepreneurship and integration with global markets. Furthermore, Nigeria actively participates in multilateral programs like "The Year of China-Africa Youth Exchange," aiming to inspire youth to discover collaborative opportunities across cultures and become future pillars of African development.
Consul Oludare E. Folowosele stressed that cultivating cross-cultural understanding early on is fundamental to future international cooperation and competition. He shared examples of Nigerian students participating in Asia-Africa youth dialogues, highlighting the importance of early intercultural exposure.
Vice Consuls Nik Petruchenia and Darya Bohdan of Belarus noted that Belarus actively promotes "International Student Exchange Programs," with dual-degree and exchange initiatives linking Belarusian universities with China, Russia, and several European countries. They shared that Belarusian youth actively participate in the "Silk Road Youth Exchange Program," engaging in cultural festivals and youth forums to strengthen bilateral ties. They believe youth nurtured in diverse cultures will serve as vital bridges for future international understanding and peace.
Vice Consuls Nik Petruchenia and Darya Bohdan added that genuine cultural understanding arises from sincere interpersonal exchanges. Belarus promotes the "Youth Cultural Exchange Ambassadors" program to encourage young people to build cross-cultural friendships and strengthen international solidarity.
National Treasures: Symbols of Civilization and Cultural Legacy
During a warm and engaging sharing session, consuls introduced the iconic animals of their respective countries. These national treasures are not only marvels of nature but also carry profound cultural and spiritual significance.
The ring-tailed lemur of Madagascar symbolizes agility and adaptability; the Markhor of Pakistan stands for resilience and freedom; the fish eagle of Zimbabwe embodies courage and hope; the Komodo dragon of Indonesia represents strength and primal vitality; the eagle of Nigeria signifies vision and national pride; and the European bison of Belarus symbolizes power and renewal.
As a vibrant nexus of East and West, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a center for international cultural and artistic exchange. The Virtue Foundation has long dedicated itself to promoting youth moral education and cross-cultural dialogue, organizing hundreds of activities across culture, technology, sports, and patriotic education, benefiting over a million young people.
This year, the Foundation will launch the National Treasure International Drawing Competition, inviting students worldwide to create artworks inspired by their national treasures. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan students will focus on the giant panda, while overseas participants will depict their national symbols. Winners will be able to engage in overseas exchanges, and overseas winners will be invited to Hong Kong to celebrate multicultural harmony at the National Treasures Carnival.
The prosperity of youth signifies the wealth of a nation; the strength of youth heralds the strength of the world. From the consuls' insights, it is clear that despite cultural differences, there is a shared global aspiration to nurture youth who embrace peace and diversity. Hong Kong, as an international hub of East and West, is embracing its role as a bridge for civilizations.
(Reported and Edited by Felicia LI & Jack Wang & KiKi Zhang)
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