The China–South Asia Youth Dialogue, one of the key events of the 8th Kunming Forum on South & Southeast Asia Education Cooperation, was held at the Chenggong Campus of Yunnan University, on Oct 23.

Participants of the Youth Dialogue pose for a group photo. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Nearly 100 representatives of teachers and students from China, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and other countries attended the Youth Dialogue, which was jointly organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education and hosted by Yunnan University. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme "Youth Power in Dialogue: Co-creating the China-South Asia Education Blueprint".

The event featured two core modules: "Youth Innovation Salon" and "Mutual Learning and Growth".

During the "Smart Salon" session, Chinese and international youth quickly broke the ice through interactive activities such as the "Multilingual Greetings Challenge" and "60-Second Hometown Showcase". They formed 10 mixed groups and collaboratively designed creative posters on topics, including the Silk Road Academy, Language Bridges, and the Green Education Corridor, charting new pathways for China–South Asia educational cooperation.

The "Mutual Learning and Growth" module focused on educational practices and experience sharing. During the storytelling session, a Nepali youth representative emphasized that continuous dialogue and mutual respect form the cornerstone of building a regional youth community. Similarly, a Pakistani participant observed that education serves as a vital bridge linking nations and peoples, reflecting the collective aspiration of South Asian youth to deepen educational collaboration.

The poster presentation session was filled with enthusiasm and applause. Each group vividly presented its educational cooperation blueprint, covering diverse topics such as language exchange, medical-education collaboration, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Following a collective vote, 10 team awards were presented, including the Best Innovation Award and the Best Cross-Cultural Integration Award.

Members of a team show their educational cooperation blueprint. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

The dialogue not only served as a bridge for in-depth communication between Chinese and South Asian youth but also strengthened regional friendship and cooperation through co-creation and cultural integration.

Winning team members pose for a group photo. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Participants expressed their determination to take this event as a new starting point to act as pioneers of cultural exchange and work hand in hand to shape a brighter vision for China–South Asia educational cooperation, injecting youthful vitality into building a closer regional community with a shared future.