From March 23 to April 11, the 2025 Program for Youth Representatives from Pacific Island Countries hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and organized by the School of Continuing Education of Sun Yat-sen University was held in Guangdong.

This training program lasted 20 days. A total of 33 young representatives from 10 Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, gathered in Guangdong to study together, explore Guangdong's development experience, and collectively plan the future development of Pacific Island countries.

Group photo at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Program for Youth Representatives from Pacific Island Countries. [Photo/Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office]

Ketan Lal, member of Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, delivered a speech at the closing ceremony as a student representative.

He said that this training program is not just an ordinary learning journey, but a profound dialogue between hearts and minds. This journey opened their eyes and completely eliminated the long-standing misconceptions and biases about China from the outside world. Western media often portrays a skewed and distorted image of China, yet here, they have witnessed firsthand a nation that is peaceful, hard-working, and inclusive and have met Chinese people who are law-abiding, humble, and filled with compassion.

"China not only possesses a history and civilization of 5,000 years but also enjoys a leading position in the development of artificial intelligence, green energy, and infrastructure in the new era. Most importantly, China has demonstrated through its actions that it is a true friend and partner of the Pacific Island countries," he added.

Group photo at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Program for Youth Representatives from Pacific Island Countries. [Photo/Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office]