Youth representatives from eight SCO member states and four observer nations jointly vowed to stand up to new threats and challenges worldwide and strengthen trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, as they participate in the ongoing "SCO Youth Campus", which opened on July 16 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

The exchange event, in its third edition since 2016, was initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Ufa in 2015 in order to enhance youth exchanges. China planned to host the event five years in a row.

The 2018 SCO Youth Campus, themed on "New SCO and New Partnership", is hosted by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) in Qingdao and Beijing, and runs from July 15 to 22. More than 200 youth representatives from 12 SCO countries are taking part in the event. 

"The SCO Youth Campus is a very important part of China's support for youth development. It serves as an effective platform for youth exchanges among SCO countries," said Dong Xia, deputy secretary general of the ACYF, during the opening ceremony on July 16.

"It is of special significance to hold the event in Qingdao. The city hosted the 18th SCO summit in early June, during which the Joint Address of the Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Youth was approved," said Dong. 

"The joint address expresses high expectations on youth development from the leaders of SCO countries." 

Pavel Krasnorutskiy, vice president of the All Russia Youth League, said that the youth campus will strengthen ties of SCO countries, lay down a solid foundation for the SCO to conduct more cooperation and give new impetus for future development of the SCO.

"We have been encouraging youth entrepreneurship and innovation and our youth startup incubation center has been co-operating closely with its Chinese counterparts. This year we will seek more cooperation with SCO countries in the incubation program. Cooperation in this area will enhance good-neighborly friendship and cooperation as well as youth development among SCO countries." 

In Qingdao, youth representatives will visit a number of places including Haier, a Qingdao-based home appliances manufacturer, Qingdao TGOOD Electronic Co, a company specializing in charging infrastructure, the Sea Rice Research and Development Center, the Sino-German Eco-park, Qingdao Port, as well as the Qingdao-based China University of Petroleum.

There will also be a SCO Youth Forum and an SCO Youth Talks & Cultural Exhibition. After finishing their trips in Qingdao, the delegates will go to Beijing to visit the SCO secretariat, the Palace Museum and the Great Wall.

The 2018 SCO Youth Campus, themed on "New SCO and New Partnership", opens on July 16 in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/dailyqd.com] 

During the opening ceremony, youth delegates witness the naming ceremony of a sailboat and learned basic sailing skills. The boat was christened SCO Youth, symbolizing concerted efforts, joint endeavors and new journeys for the younger generation. [Photo/Xinhua]

Youth delegates pose for a photo after the opening ceremony on July 16 in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/dailyqd.com]