The China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC), together with Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co. (TMIC) and the China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment, held a youth practice activity on environmental protection in Beijing, on June 25.

Themed on green development for a common better life, the event featured exchanges and practices focusing on such issues as aquatic ecosystem governance and carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

Representatives pose for a group picture for the Toyota youth practice activity on environmental protection held in Beijing, on June 25, 2023.

Chen Peng, Deputy Director of the CIYEC, and Tsugita Ami, First Secretary of Culture Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in China, attended and addressed the event.

Noting that environmental protection and green development are in the interest of the present and future generations, Chen underlined that promoting harmonious coexistence between man and nature is an essential requirement of Chinese modernization, where young people would play a significant role. 

The CIYEC is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and practical cooperation among young people from China and rest of the world, Chen said, adding that he expects the event to serve as a platform for promoting environmental protection concepts, and facilitating exchange and cooperation, providing momentums from the youth in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and promoting the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

Tsugita said that environmental issues have always been the focus of Japan-China economic cooperation since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

She noted that environmental issues such as climate change have become global challenges that require cross-border cooperation of both countries. The event is of great significance as it provides opportunities for young people to address ecological challenges, she added.

The event includes a salon, bazaar and environmental protection practices. Around 100 representatives from Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Institute of Technology, University of International Business and Economics, and Central University of Finance and Economics, as well as organizations and voluntary groups related to environmental protection took part in the activity.