NANJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – December 26, 2023 – On December 19, the International Voluntary Service Seminar “Hearts Connect Along the Silk Road” organized by the International Voluntary Service Working Committee and hosted by the Office of Nanjing Municipal Civic Strengthening Committee, was held in Nanjing, known as the literary center of the world. Experts, academics and youth representatives from international institutions, research institutes and NGOs in the field of voluntary service gathered in the city to exchange experiences and achievements in promoting sustainable development through voluntary service. The event also marked the release of the “Generation Z International Volunteering Practice Outcomes Collection”.
Gao Xin, UNDP China youth development expert, delivered a keynote speech
The International Voluntary Service Working Committee was officially established on April 27, 2022, with its secretariat located in Nanjing, demonstrating the city’s importance in the field of voluntary service. Addressing the gathering, Jing Disheng, director of the Nanjing Municipal Civic Strengthening Committee office, expressed confidence in Nanjing’s role in advancing voluntary service globally and transforming it into a vivid representation of modern practices in Nanjing.
Release ceremony of “Collection of results of international volunteering practice of Generation Z”
Duan Guiqing, deputy secretary-general of the China Voluntary Service Federation, highlighted the crucial role of voluntary service in building a community with a shared future for mankind. She highlighted the positive impact of international voluntary service in improving mutual understanding and communication between China and other countries. Zhu Jingfang, deputy director of the Working Committee on International Voluntary Service, pointed out that international voluntary service is a crucial way for countries to engage in global governance, shape their international image and strengthen their international influence.
Young people, who constitute a vital force in the exercise of voluntary service and in the construction of a socialist spiritual civilization, played a central role in this event. With Gen Z youth as key participants, experts delivered keynote speeches on topics such as “youth participation in voluntary service to combat climate change, sustainable development, and trends and practices “. They called on young people to actively engage in voluntary activities and radiate the brilliance of youth.
The seminar was also marked by the release of the “Collection of Results of International Volunteering Practices of Generation Z” on the application of Xinhua News Agency, a national media platform, presenting 20 cases of international voluntary service of Chinese NGOs, notably the Nepal Earthquake Relief association and the Cambodian mine. Action, Rainbow SENSE scholarship, international free lunch program, China-Pakistan medical congress, Belt and Road initiative and Living Water campaign led by Chinese volunteer forces such as Guizhou Blue Sky Rescue, Gansu Rainbow Volunteer Club, Chinese Red Cross, Chinese Medical. Association, Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China, China Charity Federation, The Amity Foundation, China Foundation for Rural Development, Burundi Agricultural Poverty Reduction, Enlai Foundation and China Foundation for Peace and Development. These cases illustrate how the collective efforts of young people have helped rebuild homes, promote economic development and foster social progress in difficult countries and regions.
Representatives of the Chinese Volunteer Force shared their stories
Representatives of Chinese volunteer forces shared the stories behind international voluntary service cases. Qiu Lili, founder of the Beijing Peaceland Foundation, shared his views on the involvement of Chinese rescue teams and volunteers in the rescue of Tham Luang Cave. It revealed the behind-the-scenes analysis and arrangements made by Chinese rescue teams and volunteers, including underwater route planning. Furthermore, she told a fascinating story about one of the rescued boys participating in vocational training conducted by the Chinese emergency rescue team in Thailand five years later, becoming actively involved in the subsequent rescue operations.
Wu Dan, deputy director of the overseas projects department of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, shared his experiences in humanitarian aid in Syria, congenital heart disease screening projects and international lunch initiatives free in African countries. Wang Haoyu, deputy director of the international development department of China Rural Development Foundation, discussed their practices in establishing offices in Myanmar, Nepal, Ethiopia and implementing projects. These stories vividly illustrate the internationalization path of the China Rural Development Foundation.
To conclude the event, a panel discussion was held on the theme “The Path and Prospects of International Voluntary Service in the New Era”, moderated by Zhang Qiang, Professor at Beijing Normal University. Guests included Liang Jie, executive deputy general secretary of Beijing Enlai Foundation; Zhai Yan, president of the Beijing ProBono Foundation; and Feng Pingping, deputy director of the brand communications department at the Jiangsu Center of Xinhua News Agency, engaged in a discussion on the future of international voluntary service in the new era.
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