Youth representatives share stories about Mazu culture. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over 30 youth representatives from more than 20 countries attended the Mazu Culture Youth Exchange Forum: Global Gen Z in Dialogue with Mazu Culture, which took place on Nov 1 on Meizhou Island, Putian, Fujian province.

In his opening remarks, Liang Yuwei, vice-chairman of the All-China Youth Federation, expressed hope that young people would consider Mazu culture a gateway to invigorate China's traditional cultural heritage, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Zeng Qingkai, secretary-general of China Daily, said that the event aims to help global Gen Z resonate through Mazu culture. He encouraged young participants to explore the contemporary value of Mazu culture, revitalizing this ancient Chinese heritage through youth creativity and practice.

Professor Meng Man offers an in-depth interpretation of the relationship between Mazu culture and young people. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The forum's first session featured Professor Meng Man from the Minzu University of China, who delivered a speech offering an in-depth interpretation of the connection between Mazu culture and young people.

In the second session, young participants, such as Addai Magamed from Russia and Gitau Recheal Mugure from Kenya, shared their experiences with Mazu beliefs and called for youth from different countries to jointly promote the spirit of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

Youth representatives interpret the contemporary value of Mazu culture from their unique perspectives. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

During the sharing session, youth representatives such as Ng Ting Hui from Malaysia, Phung Thi Yen Hoa from Vietnam and Julie Rose Vilvandre from France introduced the global dissemination and development of Mazu culture, providing vivid examples of how the culture can be creatively transformed and innovatively developed in the new era.