Journey to East: The 2019 UNESCO International Youth Forum

Participants and volunteers of the 2019 UNESCO International Youth Forum

Over 10,000 miles, 35 hours, and 2 continents away, is Changsha, the capital city of central China’s Hunan province and the location of the 1st half of the 2019 UNESCO International Youth Forum. 

I was one of 128 youth delegates from 85 countries. We were selected not only to participate in the forum, but also to have our voices heard through stories, observations and suggestions about the cultural and heritage preservation works being done in our countries through the creative arts, in conjunction with the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals. 

At the end of the forum, all our ideas would be distilled to create a document called the Changsha Initiative. This document will be used to advocate for solutions aimed at assisting youth around the world, to carry out projects related to cultural and heritage preservation.  

The Changsha Tongguan Macrolink Legend Hotel. Our home in Changsha.

I had been to China before as a student, but never to Changsha nor Nanjing (where the 2nd half of the forum would be held) and not to a concentrated forum such as this. What I expected was cultural exchanges, long days of discussions and the opportunity to use chopsticks again in public without feeling judged (kidding, I never feel judged).

Some of the food on which we feasted during the 6 days

My instincts were right. Everyday for the 6 days, I met new people and learned about the creative work they do in their countries; many hours were spent in peer discussions exchanging ideas and I was in chopsticks heaven. What I did not expect from this whirlwind of a trip was just how inspiring my peers would be, how much my spirit would grow in courage and the seeds of collaboration that would be planted. 

Learning about Chinese Printing Techniques

Each day, we were treated to a cultural event and/or panel or group discussions on practical ways to preserve a country’s heritage and culture. While all the activities were learning experiences, some were unforgettable. 

The magic of the Creative Pyrotechnical Light Show

THE CREATIVE PYROTECHNICAL LIGHT SHOW

The 1st cold and rainy evening in Changsha, we were all bundled up in raincoats and taken to watch an outdoor light show. I didn’t know what kind of light show would have warranted sitting outside in the rain, but once the show begun, there was no way to describe it but a magically epic journey that interwove the stories and traditions of ancient China with the technologies of modern China. Even citizens of Changsha said that they had never seen such a show in their lifetime.

Caribbean Filmmakers and Officials at the Caribbean Film Festival in China. 

Giving a short talk on the Caribbean Film Industry

THE CARIBBEAN FILM FESTIVAL 

The 3rd staging of the Caribbean Film Festival was held in conjunction with the 2019 UNESCO International Youth Forum. Having been a part of the inaugural staging of the Caribbean Film Festival in Beijing in 2016 with my film “The Bakers of Oriental Gardens”, it was heartwarming to see the festival grow in strength. The screening was attended by Senior Officials from Changsha, Ambassadors from the Caribbean caucus of Embassies and all youth delegates of IYF3. I said a few words on the Caribbean Film Industry after which the documentary “Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China” directed by Jeanette Kong was screened.

Street Art in Nanjing

NANJING

On the 4th day of the Forum, we travelled by train to Nanjing. During the last 2-days we were taken to see the book restoration of ancient Chinese texts at the Nanjing Library, ancient weaving techniques at the Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum, Librarie Avant Garde and Nanjing Book Design Studio at Nanjing University.

Librarie Avant Garde, Nanjing

LIBRARIE AVANT GARDE

I was really impressed by the ethos of Librarie Avant Garde, which used an old underground parking garage as the space for the store. They do have other branches across China, and with each unique store, they try to create a community space that encourages reading and learning about the literary arts. 

NANJING BOOK DESIGN STUDIO (ZHU YINGCHUN)

At the Nanjing Book Design Studio, we were introduced to the artist Zhu Yingchun whose keen observations about nature (seemingly impossible in this fast paced world), led him to create works of art inspired by insects, snails and bird poo. 

One of the group discussions held during the 6 days. This discussion was facilitated by Kristeena Monteith, a United Nations Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals

Through the exchange of ideas with my fellow delegates, we realised that documentation of our culture and heritage is a big issue in the Caribbean. Through collective effort by the utilisation of our various practices in architecture, building restoration, media and communication, education, film and visual arts, we can and will contribute to the preservation of the culture and heritage of the Caribbean.

I am grateful to have been selected to attend this forum and to have met the people I did. I was inspired by each and every person who was just like me, but doing their own thing in a gigantic way. This forum made me realise that the best thing anyone can do for themselves and their country is to "just do your thing" as Trinidad's Shari Petti said. 

Just start that initiative, write that book, create that art, host that residency, start that YouTube channel, create that app, advocate for that cause, start that business or whatever it is you believe in. Whatever you do, even in a small way, can contribute to the development of your country, therefore making the world a better place in a big way. 

You have more to contribute than you know. Culture and Heritage cannot exist without the people. So, close your eyes and take that jump with your project. I did. I started this blog. Are you with me? 

Click here for more information on the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals. 

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