A view of the Mekong River bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, on Oct 29, 2019. (Photo: Agencies)
China will enhance exchanges and cooperation in children's affairs with countries from the Lancang-Mekong region, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind, said Huang Xiaowei, vice-president of the All China Women's Federation.
Huang, who is also the deputy director of the committee on women and children's affairs of the State Council, China's cabinet, made the remark at the launch of the 2022 Green Lifestyle for Children in Lancang-Mekong Countries Activity at the China National Children's Center on Friday.
The program is the first exchange platform for children from countries in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework established in 2016. These countries include China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
The program will host activities for school building, staff training, children art contests and workshops on environmental protections.
Huang said the program aims to create a dialogue platform for children from the region to facilitate comprehensive development, promote environmental awareness, build friendship, and allow children to grow into adults who can contribute positively to Earth's environment.
"Let's build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and beautiful home for all," she said.
Khamphao Ernthavanh, the Laos ambassador to China, said at the launch ceremony that Laos is willing to promote exchanges between women and children from the Lancang-Mekong region, facilitate people-to-people relations and jointly open a new chapter of collaboration under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework.
Minister-Counselor of the Royal Embassy of Thailand to China Sittikorn Chantadansuwan said: "Youths are the hope of our nations. When children and youths develop a better understanding of environmental issues, they can make responsible decisions."
Chantadansuwan said the initiative will enhance the cordial friendship between Lancang-Mekong countries, and make contributions to building a greener community in the region.