2024 Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent.

Professor Guo Yong, 

Professor Shi Zongkai, 

Distinguished Guests, 

Bright young minds of Tsinghua University, 

I am thrilled to be here today at Tsinghua University, a beacon of knowledge and innovation, to once again participate in the Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue.  

Looking out at the diverse and energetic group of young leaders here today is truly exciting, and I am certain that your generation will take the necessary efforts to put our globe on the path to sustainable development.  

Some of China's most prominent leaders, policymakers, academics, and influencers have graduated from this university. The President of China, HE President Xi Jinping, is also a graduate of this prestigious university.  

As we assemble today, many of you are on the verge of a new academic year full of opportunities and promise. My warmest wishes to each of you as you begin this new chapter of your academic adventure. May this be a year of profound discovery, limitless possibilities, and tremendous personal and collective accomplishments. 

Just a few weeks ago, the World Youth Development Forum was held in Beijing, bringing together youth leaders from all around the world to debate how youth can contribute to sustainable development. This event, co-hosted by the UN in China and the All China Youth Federation, was one of several Pre-Summit of the Future activities conducted by the UN in China during the first half of 2024.  

The Summit of the Future will be held in September at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, bringing together Heads of State to discuss the future of multilateralism with the goal of reinvigorating and repositioning the United Nations to be fit for purpose in responding to the challenges we face today.  

The Summit has five main work streams: Sustainable Development and Financing for Development; Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Cooperation; Youth and Future Generations; International Peace and Security; and Transforming Global Governance. The Summit's main consequence will be the "Pact for the Future," an action-oriented document outlining concrete steps and promises from all Member States. This document will be joined by two further result documents: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.  

The Summit's workstreams and outcome documents show that youth have been prioritized, emphasizing the UN's increased commitment on connecting with young and reflecting their interests in our work. At the same time, there is a growing recognition that young are the fundamental driving force behind global sustainable development, and that harnessing youth innovation, dynamism, and ideas is crucial for creating a more inclusive world.  

The United Nations, through the establishment of a new Youth Office, is taking tangible steps to empower young people to be active participants, change agents, and leaders in our common goals. At the same time, young people have an equally essential role in making their voices heard and ensuring that decision-makers listen to, discuss, and consider young people's opinions.  

Our topic today, "Harmony and Unity for the Greater Common Good," is a call to action that is consistent with the United Nations' core values, standards, principles, and activities. It is a subject that is consistent with the vision of our Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, who declared, "The energy and conviction of young people are infectious, and more vital than ever." Over my years working with the UN in a variety of nations, I have witnessed personally the power of youth. I've seen how you can create change, inspire people, and make a difference. 

 You, the youth of today, are unique to this era; you are digital natives, born into technology, conversant in its language, and skilled at navigating its waters.  

This familiarity distinguishes you as ambassadors between cultures, aided by instruments that past generations lacked. Our daily interactions on social media, gaming platforms, and educational forums are more than just leisure pursuits; they are part of a greater tapestry of global participation. While we embrace new technical tools, we must also be aware of the challenges they provide. The digital divide, ignorance, and cultural appropriation are all potential dangers on this trip. As global youth, it is your obligation to advocate for fair access to technology, encourage critical thinking, and create polite cross-cultural interactions. Opportunities for youth to connect with and impact crucial decision-making processes exist in a variety of contexts, and the key insights youth possess, along with their more forward-thinking viewpoint, make it especially important that you participate in these processes. Whether we're talking about climate change, artificial intelligence, financial sector reform, peace and security issues, global governance, or any of the other difficulties we face as a society, the door is open for young people to participate in these processes and ensure their voices are heard. I encourage you to seize these opportunities. Determine where you may bring value and unique perspectives to these processes. Engage in communication and exchanges. Share your ideas, express your worries, and provide solutions. Learn from each other, inspire one another, and collaborate for a better future.  

Finally, as youth leaders, you must accept your responsibility and strive to bring about constructive change for all people, especially the most vulnerable, leaving no one behind. Whether you promote new technological applications, education for tomorrow's jobs, innovative ideas to battle climate change and safeguard our environment, or any other aspect of sustainable development, every action you take will make the world a better place.  

I want you to be catalysts for a society that values cultural variety as a strength, leveraging your unique position as today's networked young. According to President Xi, a "nation will be full of hope and have a great tomorrow when its younger generations have ideals, ability and a strong sense of responsibility". 

We need and will rely on you, today's youth, to lead our world in the direction we desire. Towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable vision of development. The future is in your hands.  

Believe in yourself. Pursue your dreams. Make the impossible possible.