On July 27, 2025, the "Bridge of Peace: Dialogue between Greater Bay Area and European Youth Leaders" was successfully held in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and China International Communications Group (CICG), under the theme "Lasting Peace by Youth, Brighter Future via Technology." President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC delivered video remarks to the participating Chinese and European youth leaders. Du Zhanyuan, President of CICG, also addressed the event via video, and Jacobo García, President of the Global Youth Leadership Forum, attended the event and delivered remarks.
In his video remarks, President Yang noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. He emphasized that both China and Europe are key pillars in a multipolar world and share the responsibility of promoting global peace and prosperity. Youth, as the most dynamic and vibrant force in society, should uphold a spirit of strengthening global solidarity, embrace openness and inclusiveness, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world for all.
President Yang shared three hopes for the young participants. The first is to adopt a broad and forward-looking perspective—to "see beyond the clouds"—by exploring the world with open minds and hearts, breaking through mental boundaries, and thinking critically and independently. Such qualities are essential for fostering deeper mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe, and for building a stronger foundation for unity and cooperation among nations. The second is to demonstrate the daring to "make the sun and the moon shine in the new sky", facing global challenges such as regional conflicts, wealth disparity, and climate change with the pioneering spirit and cooperative mindset that define their generation and always keep the well-being of all humanity in view. The third is to have wisdom rooted in harmony and coexistence, citing the idea that "all living things grow side by side without harming one another." Young people should treat differences among civilizations with equality and respect, and promote dialogue between Chinese and European civilizations through openness and mutual learning, enabling both to thrive through exchange and mutual enrichment.
The dialogue served as the centerpiece of the "Bridge to the Future: European Youth Leaders Tour of the Greater Bay Area" initiative. More than 40 youth representatives from 12 European countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Poland, joined their peers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to exchange views on topics such as China-Europe relations, technological innovation, and cultural heritage. Through meaningful dialogue and mutual learning, participants deepened mutual understanding, forged new friendships, and contributed fresh momentum to the advancement of China-Europe friendship and the promotion of global peace.
