BEIJING, 22 September 2022 (TATOLI) – The Global Youth Visual Exhibition was held in Beijing, China, on September 23 to commemorate the UN’s 80th anniversary. The event highlighted the UN’s pivotal role in global affairs and called for building a more just and equitable global governance system. The event was co-hosted by CGTN and UN agencies in China.
Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group, and Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary general for Global Communications, delivered video messages. UN resident coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, attended and gave remarks. Diplomats, UN agency representatives and media professionals witnessed the announcement of the outstanding works from the “One World: Shared Future” Global Youth Visual Challenge, along with the launch of CGTN’s special programming for the UN’s 80th anniversary.
Shen Haixiong said youth are “like the rising sun” and their voices are especially valuable in today’s world. He reaffirmed CMG’s commitment to amplifying the UN’s voice, covering global governance processes and building bridges between China and the world, to break down prejudice through images and bridge differences through works, and deepen the resonance of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Melissa Fleming welcomed China’s steadfast support for multilateralism, saying the UN will continue defending the core principles of peace, equality and dignity laid out in the Charter 80 years ago — principles that must guide both present and future generations.
Siddharth Chatterjee described the UN@80 campaign as a chance to focus on building the future rather than dwelling on the past, calling it a “legacy of peace, prosperity and sustainability.” He encouraged drawing inspiration from young creators and renewing faith in collective action.
CGTN launched the “One World: Shared Future” Global Youth Visual Challenge in July, receiving over 56,000 submissions from 51 countries. Entries reflected youth perspectives on key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including peace and justice, education, poverty eradication, climate action and biodiversity protection. Fifteen videos and 20 photos were selected as outstanding works and will be showcased on CGTN’s website and social media platforms.
Eight creators from Malawi, Portugal, France, Russia and China attended the ceremony. Vitumbiko Caroline NG’OMA of Malawi said her work on “social equity” reflects the struggles of rural girls and highlights their untapped potential. Guillaume Claude Maurice Bellande of France focused on poverty eradication, inspired by China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty, calling it a topic that “must remain a global priority.”
The event also featured the screening of several CGTN premium productions for the UN’s 80th anniversary, including: “UN Champion of Nation,” illustrating the UN’s role in global development and China’s contributions; “The United Nations at 80,” focusing on China–Latin America cooperation on SDG; “China’s Green Revolution,” showcasing China’s green transition practices; “Blue Helmets, No Borders,” documenting Chinese peacekeepers’ missions; “One World Shared Future,” exploring cultural exchange and mutual learning.
UN agencies in China will hold additional campaigns and events over the next two months, including subway campaigns, social media outreach, and on-site activities to mark the UN’s milestone anniversary.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
