2025 International Youth Dialogue on World Heritage Protection opens in Honghe

On Tuesday, the 2025 International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection was held in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, bringing together young representatives, scholars, and officials from nearly 20 countries to discuss the preservation and sustainable development of world cultural heritage.

Yu Yingfu, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at an event in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Yingfu, deputy director of China International Communications Group (CICG), emphasized in his address that cultural heritage represents a shared treasure of humanity that transcends national borders. He noted that cultural exchanges and mutual learning are a force driving the progress of human civilization and promoting world peace, and that, amid the current global uncertainties, such exchanges have become even more crucial. He said CICG will continue to promote collaboration and friendship among young people worldwide, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and build more international platforms dedicated to the protection of world cultural heritage.

Niu Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, speaks at an event in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Niu Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee and director of the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial Government, highlighted Yunnan’s unique role in cultural heritage preservation, noting that the province is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites — the second-highest number in China. 

She explained that Yunnan has long embraced the philosophy of balancing heritage preservation with sustainable development. Niu called on international youth to serve as cultural ambassadors, encouraging them to make full use of platforms such as the International Youth Exchange and Field Learning Center to engage with local communities, share their perspectives, and present a more authentic, multi-dimensional, and endearing image of China to the world.

Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO, delivers a speech via video link at an event in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO and a recipient of the Orchid Awards for Lifetime Achievement, praised Yunnan’s stunning natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. She pointed out that the province’s abundant tangible and intangible heritage not only nurtures a strong sense of identity among local communities but also drives cultural vitality and sustainable development. Bokova said that heritage protection in Yunnan has stimulated cultural and tourism industries, created jobs, and fostered social inclusivity, making the region a global model for integrating preservation with sustainable growth.

Organizers jointly launch the Honghe Initiative in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Dialogue participants engage in a roundtable discussion on cultural heritage preservation and cross-cultural exchange in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

During the event, organizers jointly launched the Honghe Initiative. International youth representatives from Albania, Armenia, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Nepal called on youths around the world to promote dialogue and cooperation through cultural heritage, safeguard the roots of human civilization, and promote global peace and sustainable development.

The event was guided by CICG and the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial Government, and hosted by the China Center for International Communication Development. The event received over 100 guests, including diplomatic envoys stationed in China, international youth representatives, and delegates from government agencies, media outlets, and think tanks across nearly 20 countries such as Laos, Nepal, Malaysia, Vietnam, Namibia, Nigeria, and Lesotho. 

The International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection has been held annually since 2023. It has become a major platform for international youth to participate in heritage protection and cross-cultural exchanges.