Young People Forge Sustainable Connections Between China and Latin America
In December 2023, Brazil officially took on the presidency of the G20 for a year, adopting the motto "Building a just world and a sustainable planet." This initiative reflects the shared dedication of both Brazil and China to promote sustainable development and support global efforts aimed at green transformation.
TroibNews 
In the vast salt flats of Catamarca, Argentina, the first rays of morning sunlight illuminate the expansive highland landscape. Gabriel Molina, a young politician, gazes at the soon-to-be-operational lithium project and the distant salt flats adjacent to the emerging industrial site. This initiative is not just a segment of Argentina's energy transition; it represents a cross-border green revolution, combining shared knowledge and strength.
Catamarca, located in northeastern Argentina, is rich in lithium, gold, copper, and other mineral resources. In recent years, collaboration between the region and Chinese companies such as Zijin Mining Group and China Power Construction has deepened in the fields of renewable energy and lithium projects, leading to significant local economic development. "Some Chinese enterprises have not only created numerous local job opportunities but also provided international growth platforms for local youth," remarked Molina, who serves as the advisor on International Trade and Regional Integration Logistics at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Civil Works in Argentina.
In February 2022, China signed a memorandum of understanding with Argentina to enhance joint construction efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative. Engaged in the momentum of Sino-Argentine cooperation rich with opportunities, Molina feels inspired by the technological progress and substantial economic potential it brings. The steady increase in collaboration between China and Latin America has further enhanced engagements in green development. Molina is not alone in his optimism; many Latin American youths have had the chance to visit China through various cooperative projects, witnessing firsthand the transformations taking place there.
During the 2023 "Bridge of the Future" China-Latin American Young Leaders Training Campus, youth leaders, media professionals, and heads of organizations from nine Latin American and Caribbean countries traveled through cities such as Beijing, Jiangxi, and Shanghai. They engaged in discussions with their Chinese counterparts on topics including cultural exchange, the digital economy, environmental protection, rural revitalization, and youth development. Among the participants, Jean Carlos, an advisor to the Secretary of the National Congress of Honduras, visited Mayuan Village in Ji'an City of east China's Jiangxi Province. Recently, Mayuan Village has sought a green path to rural revitalization by promoting tourism and developing green industries. Carlos was moved and stated that China's rural areas are adopting a tailored approach to integrate diverse resources and promote rural revitalization while emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, an admirable example for other countries.
This was Carlos' first visit to China, having previously limited his knowledge to media portrayals and online content. His experience on the ground revealed the depth of China's development. After touring enterprises such as iFlytek, he shared his admiration for China's dedication to innovation-driven growth and its extensive use of technological advancements in sectors like environmental protection and public health to enhance people's welfare. "I am eager to see closer cooperation between China and Honduras in high-tech sectors, which would allow more Honduran people to benefit from technological innovation," he expressed.
Grecia Colmenares, secretary-general of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Youth, also participated in this exchange event. An advocate for youth involvement in policy-making, particularly regarding environmental justice and social equity, her insights were particularly noteworthy. Colmenares reflected that her journey to China highlighted the necessity of creating platforms for young people to engage in poverty reduction and other key areas. She also emphasized the importance of improving theoretical education and training systems for youth, alongside promoting environmental protection as part of economic and social development. She aims to bring these lessons back to Venezuela, hoping that "the exchange between Chinese and Latin American youth will be like a lamp, illuminating our shared future."
China's approach to green development significantly impacted Nadia Beatriz Martins Garcia Pereira, national secretary of the Youth League of the Workers' Party of Brazil. Before her visit, she was acquainted with the ecological philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." The exchange allowed her to explore China's environmental protection practices further. Beatriz believes that China has played a vital role in global sustainable development, actively collaborating with other nations to address climate change. China's experience in fostering an ecological civilization presents valuable lessons for Latin American countries.
In December 2023, Brazil officially commenced its one-year presidency of the G20, promoting the motto "Building a just world and a sustainable planet." This aligns with the commitments of both Brazil and China to advance sustainable development and contribute to global efforts aimed at green transformation.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Catamarca, located in northeastern Argentina, is rich in lithium, gold, copper, and other mineral resources. In recent years, collaboration between the region and Chinese companies such as Zijin Mining Group and China Power Construction has deepened in the fields of renewable energy and lithium projects, leading to significant local economic development. "Some Chinese enterprises have not only created numerous local job opportunities but also provided international growth platforms for local youth," remarked Molina, who serves as the advisor on International Trade and Regional Integration Logistics at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Civil Works in Argentina.
In February 2022, China signed a memorandum of understanding with Argentina to enhance joint construction efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative. Engaged in the momentum of Sino-Argentine cooperation rich with opportunities, Molina feels inspired by the technological progress and substantial economic potential it brings. The steady increase in collaboration between China and Latin America has further enhanced engagements in green development. Molina is not alone in his optimism; many Latin American youths have had the chance to visit China through various cooperative projects, witnessing firsthand the transformations taking place there.
During the 2023 "Bridge of the Future" China-Latin American Young Leaders Training Campus, youth leaders, media professionals, and heads of organizations from nine Latin American and Caribbean countries traveled through cities such as Beijing, Jiangxi, and Shanghai. They engaged in discussions with their Chinese counterparts on topics including cultural exchange, the digital economy, environmental protection, rural revitalization, and youth development. Among the participants, Jean Carlos, an advisor to the Secretary of the National Congress of Honduras, visited Mayuan Village in Ji'an City of east China's Jiangxi Province. Recently, Mayuan Village has sought a green path to rural revitalization by promoting tourism and developing green industries. Carlos was moved and stated that China's rural areas are adopting a tailored approach to integrate diverse resources and promote rural revitalization while emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, an admirable example for other countries.
This was Carlos' first visit to China, having previously limited his knowledge to media portrayals and online content. His experience on the ground revealed the depth of China's development. After touring enterprises such as iFlytek, he shared his admiration for China's dedication to innovation-driven growth and its extensive use of technological advancements in sectors like environmental protection and public health to enhance people's welfare. "I am eager to see closer cooperation between China and Honduras in high-tech sectors, which would allow more Honduran people to benefit from technological innovation," he expressed.
Grecia Colmenares, secretary-general of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Youth, also participated in this exchange event. An advocate for youth involvement in policy-making, particularly regarding environmental justice and social equity, her insights were particularly noteworthy. Colmenares reflected that her journey to China highlighted the necessity of creating platforms for young people to engage in poverty reduction and other key areas. She also emphasized the importance of improving theoretical education and training systems for youth, alongside promoting environmental protection as part of economic and social development. She aims to bring these lessons back to Venezuela, hoping that "the exchange between Chinese and Latin American youth will be like a lamp, illuminating our shared future."
China's approach to green development significantly impacted Nadia Beatriz Martins Garcia Pereira, national secretary of the Youth League of the Workers' Party of Brazil. Before her visit, she was acquainted with the ecological philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." The exchange allowed her to explore China's environmental protection practices further. Beatriz believes that China has played a vital role in global sustainable development, actively collaborating with other nations to address climate change. China's experience in fostering an ecological civilization presents valuable lessons for Latin American countries.
In December 2023, Brazil officially commenced its one-year presidency of the G20, promoting the motto "Building a just world and a sustainable planet." This aligns with the commitments of both Brazil and China to advance sustainable development and contribute to global efforts aimed at green transformation.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
