On December 15, the “2022 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road”, jointly organized by UNESCO, National Commission of the PRC for UNESCO, Nanjing Municipal People’s Government and Changsha Municipal People’s Government, was held concurrently in Beijing, Nanjing and Changsha. With the theme of “Youth Creativity for Intercultural Dialogue and Addressing Global Challenges”, the event has attracted 89 young delegates from 44 countries along the routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.

The International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road has been held for five consecutive years. It has built a platform for international cooperation and dialogue, where young people from countries along the Silk Road are connected by heart and soul, with the same goal and spirit, to build a community of common future for humanity.

With rich historic heritage and cultural resources, Nanjing is not only a world-renowned historical and cultural city, but also an important hub at the intersection of the routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.

To date, Nanjing has established friendship with 27 cities along the routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and built 31 overseas collaborative innovation centers in 24 countries, establishing itself as the first city in China to receive the title of “a Creative City of Literature”. 

Not long ago, Nanjing’s Xiaoxihu Community was awarded the “2022 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation”, contributing Nanjing’s wisdom to the conservation and innovation of world cultural heritage. With her extensive and profound cultural structure and open and tolerant personality, Nanjing continues to write the new chapter of cultural exchange between China and other countries.

To appreciate the beauty of Nanjing through poetry, to trace the remains of the ancient city, to follow the trail of Yangtze River civilization, and to discuss the protection of Yangtze finless porpoises… This year’s International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road launched the “Themed Study on Yangtze River Culture” activity, inviting young people from other countries to visit the City Wall of Ming Dynasty, Wumadu Pier, and Nanjing Eye, to experience the charm and modern vitality of the ancient capital, and to promote cultural exchange through mutual learning and appreciation.