分类： society

The 2025 Overseas Generation Z Guangxi Cultural Experience Tour officially commenced on Wednesday in Baise, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This initiative has attracted over 20 young participants, including foreign media representatives and youth delegates from diverse nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the rich heritage of Guangxi to the global Gen Z community. Participants will engage in immersive activities, exploring the region’s unique traditions, landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This tour not only highlights Baise’s significance as a cultural hub but also strengthens international ties through youth engagement and cultural exchange.

Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in 2025, with the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reporting a 16.6% reduction in the average PM2.5 concentration during the first ten months of the year. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from January to October stood at 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a significant improvement. Additionally, the city recorded 254 days of good air quality, an increase of 20 days compared to the same period in 2024. These achievements are attributed to systematic efforts, including the promotion of new energy vehicles, which have surpassed 1.2 million in number by October. To address seasonal pollution, Beijing has strengthened regional collaboration and employed advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and online monitoring to identify and mitigate high-pollution areas. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.

The UK’s Charity Commission has initiated a compliance case into Policy Exchange, a prominent think-tank, following a detailed complaint by the Good Law Project. The 27-page complaint alleges that Policy Exchange, registered as a charity, has violated charity law by engaging in partisan activities rather than fulfilling its stated mission of non-partisan public education. The think-tank, founded in 2002 by Conservative MPs, is accused of lobbying, influencing government policy, and producing biased reports. The Good Law Project claims that Policy Exchange’s activities are primarily aimed at policymakers, politicians, and journalists, rather than educating the public in a balanced manner. The complaint also highlights the think-tank’s focus on right-wing politics, including a year-long festival celebrating Margaret Thatcher’s centenary and its controversial stance on transgender issues. Policy Exchange has been influential in shaping counter-terrorism policies and was a key promoter of the discredited ‘Trojan Horse’ narrative, which falsely accused Muslim teachers of plotting to Islamize Birmingham schools. Despite the controversy, Policy Exchange continues to produce reports on topics such as Islamophobia and Churchill’s legacy. The Good Law Project has urged the Charity Commission to take action, warning of potential legal challenges if the regulator fails to address the alleged breaches.

The Shanghai Youth Online Public Service Center, initially established in 2005 as a local counseling service, has grown into a robust mental health support network, serving over 594,000 individuals and addressing critical emergencies. The center offers a wide range of services through multiple channels, including the 12355 hotline, online platforms, face-to-face consultations, and crisis intervention. Wu Zhihui, the center’s director general, emphasized the platform’s comprehensive approach, which includes mental health support, legal consultation, and youth rights protection. The center handles approximately 300 calls daily, with peaks reaching 500, reflecting a significant shift in public attitudes toward mental health. Wu noted that the increasing call volume, rather than being a cause for concern, indicates a growing awareness and willingness to seek help. The center has shifted its focus toward preventive measures and early intervention, maintaining rigorous professional standards. All volunteer counselors are required to hold certifications in psychological counseling or social work, pass strict examinations, and undergo background checks. The diverse volunteer team, ranging from individuals in their 20s to 70s, with an average age of 40, underscores the center’s broad appeal and expertise. A notable trend is the increasing number of direct calls from teenagers themselves, rather than their parents, with children as young as 13-14 and university students reaching out for support. The service has expanded beyond Shanghai, assisting callers from other provinces through both online chat services and offline counseling. The center has handled various critical situations, including rescuing a teenager trapped in Myanmar, addressing adolescent depression, and responding to domestic violence cases. Song Yaru, a 79-year-old psychological counseling expert with nearly two decades of experience at the center, shared a memorable case involving a suicidal 26-year-old. The young man later told her, ‘Seeing how you’re still helping others at your age makes me believe I too can live a good life.’ Song expressed her dedication to the center, motivated purely by her commitment to youth work. He Lingfeng, a psychology professor at Shanghai University of Sports and a counseling expert on 12355, highlighted the platform’s broader impact. With over 1,300 volunteer counselors and experts, the 12355 team has become increasingly professional, serving not only as a social service but also as a valuable platform for talent development and practical psychology training.

In a significant move to bolster educational and innovative synergies, China and Italy have pledged to enhance their cooperation in higher education. This commitment was formalized during the 2025 China-Italy University Presidents Forum held in Beijing, where over 60 universities and institutions from both nations convened. The event saw the signing of 16 memorandums and agreements, underscoring a mutual dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and Italian Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini inked a joint statement, marking a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between the two countries. Minister Huai highlighted the evolution of this partnership from individual exchanges to a structured framework emphasizing talent development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. He urged universities to adapt to the latest technological and industrial transformations, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia integration. Minister Bernini emphasized the integration of science with humanities and arts, expressing Italy’s eagerness to deepen cultural and artistic exchanges with China. This forum not only strengthens the educational ties but also sets a foundation for future collaborative ventures in various fields.

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated his 43rd birthday on November 14, 2025, by continuing to inspire the emirate’s residents with his dynamic and active lifestyle. Known for his leadership as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamdan defies the stereotype of slowing down in mid-life, instead embracing physical fitness and encouraging others to do the same. Through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he boasts over 17 million followers, he shares glimpses of his daily gym routines and promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle. His passion for sports has also led to Dubai hosting the World Sports Summit from December 29 to 30, 2025, which is expected to attract global sports stars, industry leaders, and policymakers. Beyond his personal fitness, Sheikh Hamdan actively participates in community events such as the Dubai Marathon and Mallathon, further engaging with residents and fostering a culture of health and vitality. From skydiving over The Palm to climbing the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Hamdan’s adventurous spirit and commitment to wellness serve as a powerful example for Dubai and beyond.