Future Vision Cultural Industry Dialogue Held in Chengdu Hi-tech Zone

To deeply align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promote collaborative progress among young people in the global digital culture industry, the "Future Vision Cultural Industry Dialogue" was successfully held in Chengdu Hi-tech Zone on July 9. The event focused on cutting-edge topics such as new trends in digital cultural development, value upgrading of the cultural and creative industry chain, and joint cultivation of regional youth talent, attracting over 100 participants from seven countries.

With the core theme of "Youth Innovation: Empowering the Cultural Industry through a Future Vision," the event was jointly initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Office and China Internet Information Center (China.org.cn), and executed by SPARK UNDP Sustainable Development Innovation Lab (Chengdu).

Zhang Wei, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP China, noted that culture and creativity hold unique value in sustainable development. They are not only expressions of development but also profoundly influence how people understand the world, express themselves, and connect with one another. She stated that UNDP focuses on the cultural and creative industries precisely because they can tell stories of development, change development narratives, and expand development opportunities. Chengdu, which integrates cultural heritage, the digital economy, and youth vitality, provides an inspiring practical setting for exploring the future of the cultural industry and new pathways for sustainable development. "Turn inspiration into connection, turn connection into cooperation, and transform youth creativity into real actions that drive sustainable development."

Lee Hee-sup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), emphasized that digital technology is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of human connection, creation, and commerce. Culture and creativity are no longer simple mirrors of society but engines of social progress. The younger generation possesses a unique ability to redefine the cultural landscape, turning the Sustainable Development Goals into reality by blending cutting-edge innovation with boundless imagination. He stated: "The TCS will continue its commitment to promoting youth exchanges, deepening people-to-people ties, and empowering youth to become protagonists in driving regional peace, shared prosperity, and cross-cultural harmony in the region."

At the event, Zheng Wenhua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of China Internet Information Center (China.org.cn), announced the launch of the Chengdu Initiative on Asia-Pacific Youth Cultural Innovation and Digital Creative Industries Collaborative Development. This initiative clarifies directions for cooperation across four dimensions: value orientation, ecosystem co-building, industrial synergy, and joint cultivation of youth talent. It calls on all countries to break down geographical barriers, deepen practical cooperation in the cultural and creative field, unite the innovative forces of youth, and jointly build a sustainable and normalized platform for regional cultural innovation exchange.

According to reports, this initiative was launched by China.org.cn and SPARK UNDP Sustainable Development Innovation Lab (Chengdu). Co-launching parties include the International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) under the auspices of UNESCO, the School of Foreign Languages and Journalism & Communication at Beijing Jiaotong University, the Intercultural Studies Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, and Dolphin Books.

Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of INRULED under the auspices of UNESCO, stated that the centre has always prioritized youth as a key action group. Through programs such as youth forums, international workshops, the Youth4Rural Digital Village Youth Initiative, and transnational entrepreneurship empowerment projects, the centre promotes the role of youth in areas like digital agriculture, social innovation, cultural heritage, and rural entrepreneurship. These efforts facilitate international experience sharing and regional cooperation, jointly exploring innovative pathways for youth participation in rural sustainable development.

In addition, two parallel panel discussions were held simultaneously at the event: "From the Entertainment Industry to New Drivers of Digital Culture: How to Unleash the Economic Potential of the Creative Industry" and "Asia-Pacific Youth Exchange: Challenges and Opportunities in Cross-Cultural Entrepreneurship."

Photo credit: Tuchong

A representative from the International Cooperation and Investment Promotion Bureau of Chengdu Hi-tech Zone stated that the zone has established a complete digital cultural and creative industry ecosystem covering technology R&D, content creation, interactive experiences, and IP derivative development. It has gathered a large number of young creative talents and continuously incubates internationally renowned cultural IPs. The expectation is that through this event, young creative forces from various countries can collide ideas and share resources here, using creativity as a bridge and digital technology as a medium to break down geographical and cultural barriers, and jointly explore new growth space for the regional cultural and creative industry.