The First Asia Pacific Youth Dialogue Forum is being held from Sep 21 to 23 at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), drawing 200 youth representatives from 46 countries in the Asian-Pacific region.

The event is focused on respect for cultural diversity and promotion of social inclusiveness and harmony.

The forum originates from President Xi Jinping's initiative at the Boao Forum for Asia in March, 2015, which was intended to boost communication and exchanges among Asian civilizations. The initiative was responded to and supported by UNESCO.

The result of the thematic discussions at the forum will be submitted to the Asia Pacific Dialogue Convention and the 10th UNESCO Youth Forum.

The forum is jointly sponsored by UNESCO, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs.

Li Yanrong, president of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, speaks at the First Asia Pacific Youth Dialogue Forum on Sept 21.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]