On April 23rd, World Book Day, the first session of the Global Youth Multidimensional Dialogue "Exploring Petroleum" themed "Energy Civilization youth Perspective" was held at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University. Twenty-one chemical engineering students from 8 countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Pakistan, and Malaysia gathered with experts and scholars in the energy field to discuss issues such as energy technology innovation, paths for civilizational exchange and mutual learning, and sustainable development.
Lei Ping delivers opening remarks
Lei Ping, Party Secretary and Executive Director of Petroleum Industry Press, emphasized in his address that young people, as future pioneers and innovators, bear an undeniable responsibility and mission in inheriting and shaping energy civilization. He expressed hope that the event would further stimulate youth’s interest and enthusiasm in the energy sector, promote the exchange and integration of ideas across different cultural backgrounds, and encourage collective contributions to the advancement of energy civilization.
Zhang Qiang delivers speech.
Professor Zhang Qiang,Dean of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University, noted that the event provided a valuable platform for dialogue between young Chinese and international students and energy experts. He stated that it helps broaden global perspectives and stimulate enthusiasm for energy technology innovation. He also highlighted that the book Exploring Petroleum presents the story of petroleum civilization in an accessible and engaging manner, combining rich case studies with educational outreach.
Sun Xiansheng delivers keynote speech
Dr. Sun Xiansheng, former Fourth Resident Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum (IEF) and founding Dean of one of China’s first high-end think tanks, delivered a keynote speech. Drawing on core themes from Exploring Petroleum, he systematically explained the evolution of petroleum civilization, shifts in the global energy landscape, and the responsibilities of the younger generation, resonating deeply with the international youth attendees. Sun Xiansheng encouraged the students to actively engage in energy technology research and global dialogue, contributing their wisdom and strength to the advancement of energy civilization and a sustainable future for humanity.
International youth representatives engage in discussion with guest speakers
During the roundtable dialogue, international youth representatives interacted with guests on issues including energy technology and international cooperation. Luo Kai from the United States remarked that the event prompted him to reconsider energy civilization from both technological and cultural perspectives. He emphasized that young people carry the responsibility of driving sustainable innovation and should work together to build a greener, more sustainable, and inclusive energy future. Chong Xue Qun from Malaysia shared insights on supporting regional carbon neutrality efforts and spoke highly of China’s policies and practices in promoting clean energy technology. Kawami Akira from Japan stressed the importance of establishing mutually beneficial energy cooperation mechanisms and called for improved transnational coordination to enable resource sharing and common development.
Group photo
The event was jointly organized by the Cultural Communication Center of China International Publishing Group, the Corporate Culture Department of China National Petroleum Corporation, the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, the Chinese Petroleum Society, the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University, and the Beijing Association for Science and Technology. It was hosted by Petroleum Industry Press. The Exploring Petroleum series under the Global Youth Multidimensional Dialogue launched at Tsinghua University as its first stop and will continue to visit more universities, further deepening energy science outreach and civilizational dialogue.
