The 2024 “Bridge of the Future” China-Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Youth Campus, organized by the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC), was held from Aug 10 to 17 in Beijing and Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. 

A total of 39 participants, including youth representatives, youth organization leaders from 14 CEE countries, and representatives from four international organizations, attended the camp.

Participants of the 2024 China-CEE Youth Campus attend the World Youth Development Forum in Beijing on Aug 12. 

During the camp held in Beijing, participants attended the opening ceremony and plenary meeting of the World Youth Development Forum, the Global Civilization Initiative International Youth Talk, and the Youth Pre-Meetings for the Summit of the Future. 

In Chongqing, they participated in the Thematic Forum on Digital Development of the World Youth Development Forum, the China-CEE Youth Work Dialogue, and the China-CEE Youth Roundtable Conference. They also visited such institutions as Southwest University and the Seres Group Co Ltd.

Participants of the 2024 China-CEE Youth Campus attend the Global Civilization Initiative International Youth Talk in Beijing on Aug 12. 

Throughout the camp, youth representatives from CEE countries held in-depth exchanges on enhancing youth participation in politics and improving youth work initiatives. They also explored China’s dynamic practices in areas such as the Belt and Road cooperation, environmental protection, and digital transformation. Under the theme of "Together for a Better Future," participants exchanged views on digital empowerment for urban development, joint efforts to build green and low-carbon cities, youth leadership, and inheritance and innovation of culture, fostering mutual understanding and friendships. 

Participants highlighted the vital role of youth as the backbone of society and the hope for future development. It is essential to enhance youth’s willingness and capacity to participate in state affairs, leveraging innovative minds with concrete actions to tackle global challenges. 

Participants of the 2024 China-CEE Youth Campus attend the Thematic Forum on Digital Development of the World Youth Development Forum in Chongqing on Aug 15. 

They also called for more investment and collaboration among governments, businesses, and sectors in China and CEE countries to bridge the digital divide, with a particular focus on improving digital literacy among youth. This would promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development in the global digital transformation, making youth the key participants and beneficiaries of the process.

Vladimir Imomovich Norov, Chairman of the Central Asian Association for Artificial Intelligence, and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, noted that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a prime example of globalization that has revitalized the Silk Road and connected Europe through Central Asia. He called on all countries, including those in the CEE, to unite in advancing AI development.

Changhee Lee, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia, emphasized that equipping youth with core digital skills is crucial for seizing opportunities and addressing new challenges. 

Maura Linadi, Albanian Socialist Party Youth Deputy and Head of Digitalization Commission at Tirana City Council, said she was deeply impressed by the remarkable achievements and relentless efforts of Chinese youth in promoting the BRI, environmental protection, and digital transformation. These practices not only accelerated China's development but also provided valuable experience and inspiration for global youth. 

Eszter Jakab, a youth representative from Hungary, spoke highly of Chongqing's extensive connections with European countries via air, rail, and water transport, as well as the seamless operations enabled by the region's digital and smart technologies.

Participants of the 2024 China-CEE Youth Campus visit the Seres Group Co Ltd in Chongqing on Aug 14. 

The "Bridge of the Future" China-CEE Youth Campus is a flagship youth cooperation project under the China-CEE cooperation mechanism. Launched in 2016, the program aims to strengthen youth partnerships between China and CEE countries by inviting young representatives from various fields in CEE countries to China for exchange programs. The program seeks to strengthen international cooperation and contribute to the deepening of China—CEEC cooperation through the active involvement of young people.