Young voices connect along Grand Canal in celebration of cultural exchange

The 2025 International Youth Dialogue on Canal Civilization takes place in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The 2025 International Youth Dialogue on Canal Civilization was held on June 3 in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, to promote dialogue between civilizations and foster mutual learning.

Nearly 30 scholars and young representatives from over 10 countries gathered to explore the cultural richness of canal civilizations and envision a shared future of deeper intercultural understanding.

As a masterpiece of human ingenuity, canals transcend geographical barriers and have long been conduits for trade, cultural exchange, and societal development. Cities along canals have flourished through this legacy, none more so than Yangzhou, a city that owes its prosperity to the Grand Canal.

At the opening ceremony, Wang Dong, director of the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Localization project, emphasized the importance of learning from history and acting for the future. "I hope young people can take inspiration from the canal — learn its spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and innovation; use dialogue to bridge divides and build friendships; and take action to explore global solutions."