On December 6, the Third Silk Road International Youth Photography and Short Video Competition Award Ceremony and the Fourth Competition Launch Ceremony were held at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Center. The event was co-sponsored by the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee and the Fuzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
This cultural gala was attended by nearly a hundred guests, including Mr. Liang Dong, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government; Hon. Adam Azim, Mayor of Male’, Maldives; Mr. Tomasz Sobieraj, Mayor of the City of Koszalin, Poland; Mr. Chintan Tamang, Mayor of Dhankuta Municipality, Nepal; Mr. Hay Yong, Vice Mayor of Siem Reap Municipality, Cambodia; Mr. Saveuy Silavan, Vice Mayor of Luang Prabang City, Laos; Ms. Debi Marshall-Lobb, Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North, New Zealand; Consul Ms. Cornelia Chin Siew Ling from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou; Consul Mr. Charleson C. Hermosura from the Consulate General of the Philippines in Xiamen; as well as representatives from Fuzhou’s international sister cities, friendly exchange cities, and prospective sister cities, members of the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee, representatives of embassies and consulates in China, a jury of experts, and award winners.
Mr. Liang Dong, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government welcomed all attendees on behalf of Fuzhou. He pointed out that Fuzhou, as an important gateway and strategic pivot city along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, has always been at the forefront of openness and exchange. Youth are the inheritors of culture and the creators of the future. He hoped that everyone could capture the beauty of Fuzhou through their lenses and tell the city’s stories with creativity, showcasing the splendor of China and Fuzhou to the world.
Mr. Liang expressed his hope that the Silk Road International Youth Photography and Short Video Competition could serve as a bridge connecting young people around the world, deepening exchanges and cooperation between Fuzhou and international sister cities, as well as member cities of the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee, such as Malé, Maldives; Koszalin, Poland; Dhankuta, Nepal; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Luang Prabang, Laos; Palmerston North, New Zealand; Tacoma, USA; Campinas, Brazil; among others, broadening the path of cooperation and deepening the ties of friendship.
Hon. Adam Azim, Mayor of Male’, Maldives, stated that the Maritime Silk Road has always been a symbol of unity, linking nations across seas and building bridges of friendship between different civilizations. He affirmed the positive contribution of the competition to Silk Road cultural exchanges. As an innovative way to strengthen cultural ties, the competition showcases the charm of different cultures through the lens. He hoped that the competition would continue to inspire youth from Silk Road countries with the power of innovation, jointly carry forward the Silk Road spirit and create a better future for Silk Road culture.
Mr. Hay Yong, Vice Mayor of Siem Reap Municipality, congratulated all young participants and praised the outstanding performance of Cambodian participants in the competition. The participants used images to showcase the varying landscapes and cultures of countries along the Silk Road. He stated that the competition allows young people from around the world to share their unique visions and demonstrate the diversity of Silk Road culture. He looked forward to continued collaboration to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation among Silk Road countries.
The list of winners was announced at the award ceremony, and the awards were presented to the winning representatives by Mr. Liang Dong, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government; Hon. Adam Azim, Mayor of Male’, Maldives; Mr. Tomasz Sobieraj, Mayor of the City of Koszalin, Poland; Mr. Chintan Tamang, Mayor of Dhankuta Municipality, Nepal; Mr. Saveuy Silavan, Vice Mayor of Luang Prabang City, Laos; and Ms. Debi Marshall-Lobb, Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North, New Zealand.
The Award Ceremony
Since its inception, the Third Silk Road International Youth Photography and Short Video Competition has garnered widespread attention and enthusiastic responses both domestically and internationally, receiving 2,755 entries from 68 countries across five continents, presenting a vivid picture of shared beauty and harmony among the peoples along the Silk Road.
The Launch Ceremony
At the event, Mr. Liang Dong, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government, announced the official launch of the Fourth Silk Road International Youth Photography and Short Video Competition. With the theme of “Bridging Cultures Through Imagery,” the fourth competition aims to promote the Silk Road spirit, facilitate cultural exchanges and mutual learning among Silk Road countries, and contribute to the prosperity and development of global culture.
Following the ceremony, leaders and guests toured an exhibition of outstanding works, experiencing the brilliance of Silk Road culture up close.
During the event, the award winners visited historical and cultural sites in Fuzhou such as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Mawei Shipbuilding, and Yantaishan, personally experiencing the charm of Fuzhou’s culture and witnessing the vibrant development of the city, further deepening friendships among international youth through cultural exchange and jointly writing a chapter of youth that transcends national boundaries.