The 2024 ‘Future World’ International Youth Art Exhibition was inaugurated at the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe on June 29, 2024. This grand event, a collaborative effort between the Tajik government, Chinese organizations, and UNESCO, aimed to build bridges for youth exchanges among SCO member states, promote cultural understanding, and deepen China’s connections with global youth through artistic expression.
Distinguished guests, including representatives from the Tajik government, the Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan, and officials from the International Cooperation Bureau of the State Council Information Office of China, graced the occasion, alongside over 800 attendees. The event featured a captivating exhibition of over 200 artworks by young artists from 26 countries, showcasing their unique perspectives on peace, ecology, development, and civilization. The exhibition was divided into sections like ‘SCO Family,’ ‘River of Civilization,’ ‘Lighting Up Technology,’ ‘Endless Life,’ and ‘Prosperous Olympics,’ offering diverse interpretations of a brighter future.
Before the opening ceremony, guests and media representatives had the opportunity to explore the ‘Future World’ Painting Exhibition. Tajikistani youth representatives acted as guides, sharing the stories and inspirations behind each artwork. During the ceremony, Zafarsho Ibrohimzoda, Director of the Tajikistan National Museum, welcomed participants, highlighting the exhibition’s significance for the museum. Safarzoda Anvar, representing the Tajik government, underscored the enduring friendship between Tajikistan and China, emphasizing the event’s role in strengthening artistic and cultural exchanges.
Gulahamzoda Zulfikar Ahmad, Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Affairs of Tajikistan, spoke about the flourishing Tajik-Chinese relations over the past three decades. He emphasized the vital role of youth in national progress and commended the ‘Future World’ exhibition as a testament to deepening cooperation in youth development. Ambassador Ji Shumin highlighted the importance of continuous youth cultural exchanges, noting the commitment of both countries’ leaders to fostering these connections. He expressed optimism that this generation of young people would contribute positively to the strong relationship between Tajikistan and China.
Colleagues from the International Cooperation Bureau of the State Council Information Office of China emphasized the role of youth as witnesses and pioneers of the future. They highlighted the ‘Future World’ exhibition’s significance as a bridge for communication and understanding between SCO member states, particularly China and Tajikistan, especially in the lead-up to the SCO Summit.
Following the speeches, a vibrant cultural performance featuring a collaboration between Chinese and Tajikistani youth took center stage. The performance included traditional Tajik instrumental music, folk dances, and solo songs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Tajikistan. Chinese youth enthralled the audience with a solo dance titled ‘Rain in the Bamboo Grove,’ a martial arts performance ‘Dynamic Universe,’ and a group dance ‘Twelve Stars of Chang’an,’ garnering enthusiastic applause. These performances highlighted the talent and creativity of the youth while expressing their aspirations and hopes for the future.
The ‘Reading SCO, Cultural Creative Fair’ provided an engaging cultural experience for attendees. The book exhibition featured a diverse selection of interesting and informative Chinese cultural books, interactive reading experiences, and new media products. Books like ‘The Language of Music’ introduced children to music, while ‘Xinjiang Travelogue’ by Kyrgyz writer Aydarbek Salmanbetov attracted widespread attention with its trilingual presentation in Chinese, Russian, and Kyrgyz. The fair’s cultural and creative products, including themed blind boxes, fridge magnets, and copper mirrors, were immensely popular among the youth, who enjoyed hands-on experiences like archaeology and mirror polishing.
The ‘Future World’ International Youth Art Exhibition project, initiated in 2023 by the China Intercontinental Communication Center, has gained recognition as a high-level artistic event with diverse categories, attracting youth participation and achieving significant international influence. The project has successfully held exhibitions at UNESCO headquarters during the ‘Cinema Heritage’ International Film Festival in November 2023 and the Global Symposium on the Concept of Intercultural Dialogue and Mutual Learning in April 2024.
The successful hosting of the 2024 ‘Future World’ International Youth Art Exhibition not only showcased the artistic talents of youth but also fostered understanding and friendship between young people from China and Tajikistan, injecting new energy into SCO cultural exchanges. Looking ahead, ‘Future World’ will continue to promote global youth cultural exchange and cooperation, enabling more young people to engage in dialogue through the language of art and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous, and diverse future world.
