China-NZ youth dialogue held in Auckland

A youth dialogue on cultural exchange between China and New Zealand was held in Auckland on Sept. 10.

Themed "New Technologies Promote Mutual Learning and Innovation Among Civilizations," the event attracted around 80 attendees, including government officials, media representatives, academics, and think tank members from both countries.

Mo Gaoyi, minister of China's State Council Information Office, delivers a speech at a youth dialogue event in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Speaking at the event, Mo Gaoyi, minister of China's State Council Information Office, highlighted the historical achievements in China-New Zealand relations in recent years, which have fostered mutual benefits and contributed to regional stability and prosperity. He encouraged the youths of both countries to seize the opportunities offered by digitization, strengthen dialogue, and contribute to the further development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key delivers a speech at a youth dialogue event in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key said that New Zealand was the first developed country to recognize China's market economy status, sign bilateral agreements on China's entry into the WTO, and launch free trade negotiations with China. He said he has been delighted to see young people foster friendship between China and New Zealand.

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), chairs the opening ceremony of a youth dialogue event in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), said CICG launched the Global Young Leaders Dialogue in late 2020 to promote youth exchange and mutual learning between China and other countries. He expressed hope for in-depth, long-term cooperation with New Zealand's universities and research institutions to further this initiative.

A youth dialogue on cultural exchange between China and New Zealand is held in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

During the event, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and Xufang International Media, both under CICG, signed a global youth audiovisual communication agreement with Television New Zealand. This partnership aims to provide a platform for young people to create cross-cultural video content that showcases friendly exchanges between China and other countries.

Experts, scholars, and youth representatives from both countries also attended subsequent panel discussions on the preservation and innovation of traditional culture and cross-cultural communication in the digital age.

The event was hosted by CICG and organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG.