Under the starry night sky of Dunhuang’s Mingsha Mountain, the desert illuminated with vibrant lights as over 40 young leaders from China and Latin America gathered for an unforgettable cultural experience. Sitting atop the rolling dunes, they were mesmerized by an open-air concert that blended music with the magic of the desert.
“This is a one-of-a-kind experience,” exclaimed Santiago Acosta from Chile. “Sitting in the desert, soaking in music and the atmosphere—it transcends mere music. It’s a cultural moment.”
This enchanting evening was part of the 2024 “Bridge of the Future” China-Latin American Young Leaders Training Campus, an event aimed at strengthening ties between the youth of China and Latin America. Over four days in Dunhuang, participants traversed mountains and time zones to walk the historic Silk Road, delve into ancient Chinese culture, and engage in meaningful exchanges.
Since its launch in 2015, the “Bridge of the Future” program has become a cornerstone for fostering friendship and collaboration among young people from both regions. The most recent session included nearly 70 participants from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, and Venezuela. They convened to discuss cultural heritage protection, education on cultural preservation, and youth innovation and employment.
Hu Baijing, vice president of the All-China Youth Federation, noted that despite the geographical distance, China and Latin American countries share a long history of cultural exchanges and friendship. “Youth are the most dynamic drivers of civilizational dialogue,” Hu emphasized. “Young people across nations should actively promote the diversity of world civilizations, uphold shared human values, and contribute to the next decade of building a shared future for China and Latin America.”
A representative from Peru highlighted the significant development of China-Latin America relations in recent years. “The youth of both sides should utilize their wisdom, strengthen communication, and deepen cooperation to show the world a bright future for China-Latin America development,” he said.
Bridging Continents
Under initiatives like the Belt and Road, China has fostered closer connections with Latin American countries, laying a solid foundation for enduring friendship. Eduardo Regalado, a senior researcher at Cuba’s International Policy Research Center, observed that increased cultural interactions and mutual understanding are advancing the development of China-Latin America relations.
China has established approximately 180 sister city partnerships with 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and educational exchanges have expanded in scale and diversity. Platforms for cultural interaction have become increasingly specialized and varied, including events like the China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year and the Latin American and Caribbean Art Season.
As a Latin American proverb says, “A real friend is someone who is able to touch your heart from the other side of the world.” Through initiatives like the “Bridge of the Future,” youth from China and Latin America are not just touching hearts—they’re building bridges that span continents.
Reference(s):
Bridging cultures: China, LAC strengthen ties through youth exchange
cgtn.com
