On September 21, the 5th Peace Garden Peace Festival and the "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony were held in Beijing. Nearly 500 guests of diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, experts and scholars from over 100 countries, including Morocco, Cuba, Nepal, Germany, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Pakistan, Namibia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Qatar, Oman, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Lesotho, Panama and Montenegro, attended the event.

On September 21, the 5th Peace Garden Peace Festival and "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony held in Beijing. Dr. Li Ruohong, President of China World Peace Foundation and Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, delivered a speech. 

In his speech, Dr. Li Ruohong said that in the progress of civilization, the imbalance of values and other factors have caused a lot of uncertainties in the international community, which has greatly troubled people’s lives. We should carry out more civilization dialogues among countries and regions, promote social, economic and cultural harmony and sustainable development, and pay attention to youth’s healthy growth, because they are the future of every countries.

On September 21, the 5th Peace Garden Peace Festival and the "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony held in Beijing. Paul Chikawa, H.E. Ambassador of Zimbabwe to China delivered a speech.

In his speech,Paul Chikawa, H.E. Ambassador of Zimbabwe said that the physical and mental development of young people serves as an important link of development planning and measures of many countries. The "Belt and Road" initiative will promote the economical and social development and people’s livelihood of the countries along the route, so the connection between the youth and the Silk Roads will connect the future and development. 

On September 21, the 5th Peace Garden Peace Festival and the "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony held in Beijing. Ali Moussa-Iye, Head of the History and Memory Section for Dialogue, UNESCO, delivered a speech. 

In his speech, Mr. Ali Moussa-Iye said that the United Nations has always been committed to promoting peaceful development along the Silk Roads, making it a platform for peace, so as to promote cultural diversity. Today, youth will determine the direction of future peace and the trend of cooperation. The growth of young people depends on their education. Today's society must ensure that the integration of young people's values and their understanding of the rich culture of the Silk Roads. The holding of International Photo Contest can promote exchanges among young people, so that they can better understand our past, presence and future, as well as the common challenges we face.

On September 21, the 5th Peace Garden Peace Festival and the "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony held in Beijing. The picture above shows the release of peace doves by diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, experts and scholars and youth representatives.

This International Photo Contest provides a good opportunity for young people from 100 different countries and regions to express their understanding and impression of the Silk Roads. And it encourages young people to reflect and capture the common heritage and values of the Silk Roads through photography. From the photos submitted by 6,625 applicants, the jury selected 57 best photos to show the creativity and talent of the young people participating in the event.

The contest is divided into two age categories: category one 14-17 years old, and category two 18-25 year old. The First Prize winner of Category one is Gong Zijie, his wining photo named "Tibetan Girl with Wild Flower Ring", Rishab Nandi, the Second Prize winner, his winning photo named "Memoirs of Love", and Michael Theodric, the Third Prize winner, his winning photo named “Gamelan”. In terms of category two, Pyae Phyo Thet Paing, the First Prize winner, his winning photo named “Bagan History and Art”, Yan Xiaoyi the Second Prize winner, her winning photo named “Palm Kung Fu”, and  Ahmed Jaber, the Third Prize winner, his winning photo named “Dream Return”. Honorable Mentions were awarded to Anushka Keshalwani, photo named "Culture", Fardin Ojan, photo named "Bath Fun" and Amanura Saidakat, photo named "The Road to School".