Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues

Each new generation of university students is more interconnected, visionary, and self-aware than the previous. Students are at the forefront of each new cycle of innovation, largely due to the global proliferation of technology. Access to digital systems that open the doors to the rest of the world have revolutionized the definitions of globalization and culture. American, Chinese, European, African, and beyond—each is now irrevocably touched by another.  Applied to everyday life, Americans design goods that Chinese manufacture that Europeans consume. Students are taught that governance by simple ethnocentrism is no way to prosper; rather, we attain greater heights by working collectively.

This is now our future that we’re shaping. We have the idealism of youth; our visions thrive off future-oriented innovation, not yet clouded by systematic and bureaucratic challenges. University students offer fresh perspectives that have the power to direct the channels of global sentiments towards mutually receptive outlooks.

However, young people from both sides must also focus their efforts on refining their perspectives and making concrete contributions. Many of the benefits of technology that Americans and Chinese students alike take for granted have yet to reach underprivileged populations who need them the most. From international trade to social work to cybersecurity, there are always places for students to take active stances—to either start a movement or contribute to one.                                  

Starting from the most basic level, younger generations have more time to invest in people-to -people relationships that policy makers struggle to address. Although results may be slow to show, those who are cognizant of Eastern-Western challenges should take initiative engaging in peer-to peer dialogue throughout personal, academic, and professional life. They can critically examine cultural patterns and prejudices and use new age digital mediums to transform the way cultures fundamentally interact.

Further than classroom discussions and cross-cultural relationships, a direct avenue can also be found in intentionally pursuing international industries. Here, young people can take their global perspectives and apply them to specific contributions directly through the work they undertake.

Ultimately, younger generations have the responsibility to use their education and vocation to address the long-standing prejudices between China and the United States—in business terms, to patch up their respective country brand equity. Only then will they be able to cultivate the synergies that lead to effective, long-standing collaboration.

Vicky Gu is a senior at Georgetown University studying finance and international business.

COMMENT FROM ZHIHANG DU (January 3, 2017):

The younger generation nowadays has greater access to engage in global dialogue; not only do they provide ideas, but they also create real impact by bringing about technological revolution and new business models. In the upcoming years, I believe it will be very important that youth from both sides continue to generate new ideas and creative solutions to help the world deal with evolving changes and conflicts. Students who have recognized the present global challenges should engage in various discussions. This not only benefits the global community with fresh ideas, but also prepares each of us with abundant experiences for further engagement in the future.

COMMENT FROM YUWEN LONG (January 19, 2017):

Apparently, the future is in the young generation’s hands. Globalization connects young students from all countries and all races together by giving them the chance to get to know and understand each other. But as recent years have shown, from Brexit to the refugee issue, globalization is facing great challenges that have never been seen before. As the young generation, we are the beneficiaries of globalization and we can bring new ideas to the changing world through our education and empathy.