The World Youth Conference for Peace opened in Beijing on Tuesday, as young delegates from around the world appealed for unity.
With the theme of "Together for Peace," the conference was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the All-China Youth Federation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the event on the same day.
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said in the message that the Chinese people, together with people around the world, completely defeated fascism and secured a hard-won peace through bloody battles 80 years ago.
Xi stressed that the future of peace lies with the youth, voicing the hope that young friends from all countries will take this event as an opportunity to exchange ideas, enhance mutual understanding and build friendships.
Xi encouraged them to champion the vision of peace, and contribute to peaceful development and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Over 3,000 young people from different corners of the globe gathered in Beijing, pledging to defend peace and unite against shared threats like climate change.
"We would like to actually make awareness about the climate change as well as mental health awareness. So climate change is. We come from a very low-lying country. It affects us a lot," said Siyadha Naduha, member of China-Maldives Cultural Association.
Some of the participants hope to experience Chinese culture and convey the idea of affection through the event.
"We need to work on peace together, and the second one is also resonates me. We would like to help each other with exchange programs. So that's why I'm here. Because this is my first time in China, so I wanted to get to know this culture, and feel this kind of feeling and this atmosphere," said Barnabas Koros, a Hungarian entrepreneur.
"I hope people can feel the love coming off the stage," said Zhang, a student from Beijing Dance Academy.
The event also unveiled a new World Youth Peace Initiative, calling on young people across the globe to unite to shape the future.
The initiative noted that representatives of the youth understand the responsibilities borne by their generation, and that "only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future."
World Youth Conference for Peace opens in Beijing
