From the perspective of young people, explore the world's context —— Students from Southwest Jiaoton

Background and significance of the event

At the opening ceremony of the "New Youth Class" in the fall semester of 2025, Cheng Xiaoxuan, a student from Southwest Jiaotong University, spoke as a student representative, sharing her gains and reflections from participating in the project.

The "New Youth Program" at Southwest Jiaotong University has been operating steadily for four years since its inception. Based on core courses, the program has cultivated 160 outstanding core course participants. Students actively enroll in numerous high-quality elective courses, with total enrollment exceeding 500, accumulating thousands of teaching hours. The program has achieved remarkable results in nurturing students, with consistently high attendance rates. In terms of practical exchange, the program has yielded particularly outstanding achievements, sending many students overseas to participate in various international activities, including the "United Nations Field Exchange Program," the "International Volunteer Internship Program," and the "Youth Ambassador Exchange Program to the United States," greatly broadening students' global perspectives and practical abilities.

Cheng Xiaoxuan vividly recounted her learning experience in the "New Youth Class." In the initial stages of her studies, she took three courses: "English Speech and Debate," "International Organizations and Global Governance," and "Global Science and Technology Governance and Responsible Innovation." During this period, she actively participated in class discussions, diligently completed all learning tasks, and achieved an excellent average score of over 89 points, demonstrating the diligent and thoughtful qualities of Southwest Jiaotong University students.

The following is the full text of Cheng Xiaoxuan's speech at the opening ceremony:

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Dear teachers and students:

Hello everyone! I am Cheng Xiaoxuan from Southwest Jiaotong University. It is a great honor to speak as a student representative at the opening ceremony of the "New Youth Global Competency Talent Cultivation Program" in the fall semester of 2025. Facing so many outstanding teachers and classmates, I am filled with excitement and gratitude.

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the school and teachers for creating the "New Youth Global Competency Talent Cultivation Program" platform, which provides us with such a valuable learning opportunity and growth space.

I. Three online courses: opening three windows to a global perspective

During the online learning last semester, three courses opened a new window for me to understand the world and gave me a deeper understanding of "global competence".

1. *English Speech and Debate*: From Stage Fright to Confident Expression

I remember when I first opened the course outline and saw professional terms like "speech planning," "argumentation," "reasoning," and "refutation," I felt a little uneasy. Especially the chapter on "stage fright," it was practically tailor-made for me—sweaty palms and a blank mind were exactly what I experienced.

However, the practical methods provided in the course gradually helped me learn to adjust my mindset. Through repeated practice, my nervousness significantly decreased during subsequent professional presentations. Furthermore, topics such as "speech structure" and "argumentation and reasoning" taught me how to express viewpoints in an organized manner and how to logically analyze problems and refute arguments.

2. *International Organizations and Global Governance*: Seeing the Power Behind Global Issues

This course made me realize that behind major international events in the news lies a complex and systematic global governance mechanism. From "UN peace operations" to "WHO and global health governance," and then to "international NGOs participating in global governance," I gradually came to understand the challenges and efforts involved in international cooperation.

What impressed me most was the section on "Chinese Social Organizations' Participation in Global Governance." It showed me that China's power is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, and it made me genuinely proud.

3. *Global Technology Governance and Responsible Innovation*: Reflecting on the Double-Edged Sword of Technology

"An Introduction to Global Science and Technology Governance", "Responsible Scientific Research and Innovation", "Global Governance of Emerging Dual-Use Technologies"... These topics made me realize that scientific and technological development is not only a technological issue, but also a governance and ethical issue.

During my studies, I began to contemplate the direction and boundaries of technological development. This was especially true of "dual-use technologies" such as artificial intelligence and gene editing, which could potentially benefit humanity but also pose risks. Discussions surrounding "China-US science and education exchanges" further solidified my understanding of the crucial importance of technological cooperation in breaking down barriers and driving progress.

II. New Starting Point, New Expectations: Becoming an Action Taker with a Global Vision

Based on my learning and reflections last semester, I am full of anticipation for the upcoming "New Youth Global Competency Talent Development Program." Here, we will be exposed to more cutting-edge issues, participate in interdisciplinary exchanges, and even put our knowledge into practice.

As a student, I look forward to working with everyone to achieve the following three things:

1. Maintain curiosity and broaden the boundaries of your understanding.

In addition to mastering professional knowledge, we should also proactively learn about the cultures, histories, and societies of different countries. We can truly translate a "global perspective" into "global understanding" through various means such as reading, watching films, and exchanging ideas.

2. Express yourself bravely and grow through communication.

Online discussions are a stage for the collision of ideas. Don't worry about whether your views are mature; every sharing is a step forward. Through listening and expressing ourselves, we can break through the limitations of our thinking and see a broader world.

3. Integrating theory with practice: moving from the classroom to real-world application.

Actively participate in Model United Nations, international issue research, and volunteer service activities to apply what you have learned. Whether it's writing a research report or organizing a public welfare advocacy campaign, these are all concrete ways for us to practice "global competence".

III. Let us encourage each other: With the power of youth, let us fulfill our promise to the world.

Finally, I would like to share a quote that has deeply touched me:

"Where there is a will, there is a way; where there is a will, there is a way."

It means that as long as you have a firm will, there is no place you cannot reach, and no difficulty you cannot overcome.

May we learn and grow through the “New Youth Global Competency Talent Development Program”, and in the future, contribute our generation’s strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind with our youthful wisdom and action!

Thank you everyone!