On July 29, 2025, the World Youth Conference for Peace was successfully held at Peking University, coinciding with 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 was jointly hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF). Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the conference. Li Hongzhong, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the event, read the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping, and delivered remarks. Under the theme "Together for Peace", the conference brought together more than 3,000 participants, including youth representatives from over 130 countries across five continents, international students studying in China, and young representatives from various sectors of Chinese society. A Dong, First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China; Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; and other distinguished Chinese and international guests attended and addressed the event.
In his remarks, President Yang Wanming emphasized that the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping profoundly articulated the crucial role of the younger generation in safeguarding global peace and promoting shared development. The message also conveyed high expectations for youth around the world to unite in advancing peace, development, and a shared future, which has provided tremendous inspiration and encouragement for all attendees. President Yang shared several moving stories from World War II, including the Diary of Anne Frank, the bravery of the Flying Tigers, and Marshal Nie Rongzhen's rescue of a Japanese orphan girl. He underscored that the tragic lessons of war remain a powerful warning and must never be forgotten. History must not retreat. The world must not be divided—it must unite. The purpose of the conference was to ignite the spark of peace in the hearts of young people worldwide. Youth are the future of the world and the hope of peace. For peace, young people must uphold the spirit of people-to-people friendship, foster mutual understanding among civilizations, advance win-win cooperation, and stand together to safeguard global stability. Quoting the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping, he called on youth to "champion the vision of peace, and contribute to peaceful development ", and to work hand in hand in building our shared planet into a peaceful, inclusive, and harmonious global family, together ushering in a brighter future for a community with a shared future for mankind.
Following his remarks, President Yang invited youth representatives from China, Palestine, Russia, Ghana, France, and Chile to join him on stage to unveil the conference's landmark outcome document World Youth Peace Initiative. The document states that, transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. Once again, humanity has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games. As representatives of the youth from around the world, we deeply cherish peace and understand the responsibilities borne by our generation. Only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future. The initiative calls on young people across the globe to defend world peace, pioneer mutual learning among civilizations, advocate win-win cooperation, tackle climate change, promote "technologies for social good", and unite for peace and work hand in hand for the shared future of mankind.
The conference unfolded in three themed segments: "Together for Peace", "Voices for Peace" and "Rhythms for Peace." The agenda featured a Youth Leaders Dialogue, speeches on the theme of peace, a global youth short video showcase, and vibrant performances of music, dance, magic, and martial arts. The atmosphere was energetic and friendly, filled with youthful vitality and a sincere collective belief in the "Together for Peace."
Before and after the conference, youth delegates visited over ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. Through a series of thematic activities, they explored China's path to modernization from multiple perspectives—history, culture, economy, science and technology, and ecological development—gaining firsthand the multifaceted manifestations of the Chinese path to modernization.
