[Explanation] On February 3, the first event of "Dewey Global Dialogue" was held in Beijing.

With the theme of "New Generation, New Vision: Advocating the Dialogue between Eastern and Western Civilizations", the event invited Du Zhanyuan, Director of the China Foreign Languages ​​Bureau, Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO. Authoritative scholars discussed the topic of exchange between East and West youth.

At the event, Ban Ki-moon said in a speech that the new crown pneumonia epidemic has brought many changes to people's lives, and it is particularly important to restart the exchanges and dialogues between the East and the West.

  [Concurrent] Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

  Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in uncertainty in the international order.

The rise of protectionism has destroyed the stability of international trade and global value chains.

The new crown pneumonia pandemic has infected more than 100 million people and unfortunately killed more than 2.2 million people.

The rise of protectionism, unilateralism, and populism has negatively affected global solidarity and cooperation.

We live in a globalized world.

Multilateralism is the only way out, and the diversity of civilizations requires respect.

At this moment, restarting the dialogue between East and West, especially among young people, is more important than ever.

It is necessary to enhance the understanding and cooperation between countries and peoples of different cultures and religions.

  [Explanation] As the young generation of digital natives, the unique role of "Generation Z" youth in the dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations has also become a hot topic of discussion among the guests.

  [Concurrent] Du Zhanyuan, Director of China Foreign Languages ​​Bureau

  Youth has always been an important force in promoting global dialogue and multilateral cooperation, and promoting cultural innovation and civilization inheritance. The "Generation Z" youths worldwide exceed 2.4 billion, accounting for 32% of the total population.

As the young generation of digital natives, they have the advantage of quickly mastering the application of new technologies, as well as the characteristics of openness, tolerance, and innovation. This makes all kinds of "cloud" and "fingertips" civilized dialogues have a more realistic foundation. It will also add more dazzling brilliance.

  [Commentary] At the event site, guests and youth representatives exchanged questions and answers on youth entrepreneurship prospects and international trade fairness.

The "collision" of exchanges between different generations and nationalities has sparked many sparks.

  [Concurrent] Yao Yao, Director, National Soft Power Research Center, China Foreign Affairs University

  A young man from Macau, He Youjun, raised the question of how the game economy will develop in the future.

He asked questions to Ban Ki-moon (former) Secretary-General and former UN Deputy Secretary-General Kim Won-soo, but when two senior diplomats are discussing this issue, they can see the macro direction, but they have a specific future game. They don’t know much about how the economy develops.

I think this has achieved the purpose of our youth dialogue. Not only do young people learn from the older generation, but the older generation also gains some very fresh viewpoints, information and knowledge through dialogues with young people, through mutual understanding.

Only when we combine the old with the new, the virtual and the reality, and the East and the West, can we contribute to a better world of genuine cooperation and win-win, and a community of shared future for mankind.

  [Commentary] It is reported that the Dewey Global Dialogue is co-sponsored by the Dewey China Center and the International Communication and Culture Center of the China Foreign Languages ​​Bureau, and is co-organized by the Ban Ki-moon Center for an exchange and dialogue project between global celebrities and "Generation Z" youth from various countries.

Starting from February 2021, an international leader-level dialogue will be held every month, as well as irregular cross-border connection thematic dialogue activities.

  [Concurrent] Chen Shi, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Foreign Languages ​​Bureau

  Young people are very active and very enthusiastic.

We at the Foreign Languages ​​Bureau do a good job of youth work is also a very important aspect of doing a good job in international communication.

Take practical results as the guide, and do this kind of cultural exchange in a way closer to young people.

Including today (February 3) such a dialogue and exchange activities, we will actively participate.

Because the Bureau of Foreign Languages ​​has its own extensive international platform and resources, we are willing to strengthen cooperation with all parties and jointly promote the efforts in youth (exchange).

  Cheng Yu reports from Beijing

Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]