Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Young Friends,

Kalimera! Welcome to the Third China-Cyprus Youth Forum! On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, let me begin by extending warm welcome to you all! My heartfelt thanks goes to all government agencies, sister cities and institutions which have made this Forum possible.

Since its inception in 2021, the China-Cyprus Youth Forum has become a flagship project for youth exchanges between our two countries. Today’s Forum is held under the framework of the China-Cyprus strategic partnership and Sister City Alliance. Outstanding youth representatives are gathered here for in-depth discussions, which is important to deepening mutual understanding between our peoples and subnational cooperation between our countries.

Under the theme of “China and Cyprus: Work Together for a Shared Future”, youth representatives are expected to exchange views on mutual learning between civilizations, digital transformation and green development. These three areas seem to be different, but they are all related to the same questions － Where is humanity headed for? Where will civilizations evolve?

A review of the history of human civilization reveals that every era is the fruit of wisdom and courage, and every progress is the product of hard work and perseverance.

We have enjoyed the glory of the Axial Age with the flourishing of both East and West civilizations, but also faced the challenge of “clash of civilizations” to humanity’s harmonious coexistence.

We have enjoyed the groundbreaking changes of technology progress, but also faced its unprecedented impact on human ethics.

We have enjoyed the huge material wealth created by industrial civilization, but also faced ecological challenges as a result of excessive development of natural resources.

Today, human civilization has once again entered a crucial period with both opportunities and challenges. The responses, choices and actions of the young people matter greatly to humanity’s future. It is in this context that we have established the Youth Forum.

Friends,

China has all along been committed to the progress of human civilizations. In the course of pursuing Chinese modernization, we are also contributing our wisdom and proposals to making the world an even better place.

First, we call for equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness between civilizations. All civilizations should be respected, regardless of which country or nation they originate from. Equality, openness and inclusiveness drive the spread and evolution of civilizations. China opposes negative approaches such as clash of civilizations or bloc confrontation. Instead, we support overcoming cultural misunderstanding, clash and supremacy through exchanges, mutual learning and coexistence.

Second, we call for inclusiveness, openness, fairness and security in digital transformation. In 2023, the added value of China’s digital economy reached around 10% of GDP. We boast a huge market, with 60% of the world’s 5G base stations and the biggest number of Internet users. On such basis, we have taken an active part in global digital governance. We oppose turning digital technology into political or security tools. We oppose all forms of technology or Internet hegemony. What we hope is to deliver digital dividend to the entire humanity.

Third, we call for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Bearing this mind, we have independently set out the world’s most ambitious carbon peaking and neutrality targets, and built the world’s biggest and most comprehensive new energy industrial chain. In this way, we have provided strong impetus to the energy transition, and green, low-carbon and sustainable development of the world. My hometown Baicheng used to be full of saline-alkali land. But through green upgrade, it has become both a beautiful wetland attraction and fertile rice field.

Friends,

Mutual learning between civilizations, digital transformation and green development will profoundly impact the evolution of world civilizations. They are the priorities of both China-Cyprus cooperation and China-EU cooperation. Importantly, China is committed to peaceful development as well as open, inclusive and win-win cooperation. We aim to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Friends,

Youth brings vast hopes, and young people create a better future. The China-Cyprus Youth Forum is a stage for young people of both countries. You are expected to further deepen mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation, and jointly create a better future for China and Cyprus!

To conclude, I wish the Third China-Cyprus Youth Forum a great success! Thank you!