On April 8^th , Mr. Li Ruohong, Chairman of the China World Peace Foundation and President of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, visited the headquarters UNESCO and attended the opening ceremony of the outstanding works exhibition of the 7^th  "Youth Eyes on Silk Road " International Youth Photo Contest and the launching ceremony of the 8^th  "Youth Eyes on Silk Road" International Youth Photo Contest. The new Director-General of UNESCO and Mr. Li Ruohong wrote prefaces for the newly published photo contest album.

H.E.Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, held his official meeting with a Chinese NGO delegation led by Mr. Li Ruohong. The two sides discussed the impetus and potential for Silk Road cooperation, as well as the special role of public welfare for peace amid wars and conflicts. The Director-General expressed gratitude for China’s support for the cultural interaction landscape of the Silk Road and announced his plan to visit the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation and the Peace Garden Museum.

Following speeches by H.E.Ms. Lydia Brito, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, and Ambassador Yang Xinyu, Permanent Delegate of China to UNESCO, Mr. Li Ruohong, together with ambassadors to UNESCO from various countries and representatives from all sectors, officially launched the series of events. As an important platform for the mutual learning of Silk Road civilizations, the competition showcases to the public the humanistic customs, natural landscapes and historical memories of the Silk Road captured by young people worldwide. Outstanding works were prominently displayed on the outer walls of UNESCO headquarters.

Chairman Li Ruohong also signed a cooperation agreement on the Global Youth Short Video Contest with Her Excellency Ms. Lydia Brito, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO. This year marks the China-Africa Friendship Year. After talks with the Director-General and the Assistant Director-General, Mr. Li also held discussions with H.E. Mr.Mohamed Elfarnawany（穆罕默德·埃尔法纳瓦尼）, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO in charge of the Africa Priority, on China-Africa friendly cooperation under the themes of peace, civilization and development.

Li Ruohong stated during his speech in the event: "Across time and expanding space, peace lies within every breath we take."