More than 1,500 delegates, representing 73 million league members and 4 million league organizations, have gathered in Beijing to attend the youth gala as part of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC). As an auxiliary and reserve force of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CYLC will hold its national congress from June 19 to 22, with the aim of strengthening its role in advancing the goals set by the 20th CPC National Congress.
During the congress, delegates will listen to a report delivered by the 18th CYLC Central Committee, make amendments to the CYLC Constitution, and elect the 19th CYLC Central Committee. The event holds great significance as it mobilizes and guides CYLC members to contribute to China’s journey towards becoming a modern socialist country and achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in all aspects.
The released list of delegates includes 1,535 representatives with an average age of 31.3 years. Among them, 71.7 percent are grassroots front-line delegates, and 40.5 percent are female delegates. The selection process required delegates to meet strict criteria, including firm ideals and convictions, high political quality, exemplary conduct, outstanding work performance, and strong deliberative abilities.
The CYLC, which had over 73.58 million members by the end of 2022, aims to rally millions of young people nationwide around the CPC Central Committee to construct a modern socialist country and promote national rejuvenation. The congress will assess the progress made in the league’s construction and work over the past five years, identify challenges and shortcomings, and emphasize the historical mission of contemporary youth in the context of new situations and tasks.
Noteworthy among the delegates are individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Liang Botong, a dedicated secretary-general of the Student Union and league branch secretary, has been actively supporting education in remote and underprivileged areas. Xiong Wanyin, a nurse, served in the frontline against COVID-19 in Guizhou Province. Hu Baijing, a renowned scholar, and Zhan Jianfeng, a young engineer involved in deep-sea technology, represent diverse talents committed to national development.
The 19th CYLC National Congress aims to inspire delegates to carry the spirit of the congress back to their respective regions and motivate the youth around them to embrace confidence, self-reliance, unity, and inclusivity. By uniting and mobilizing the vast youth population, the CYLC seeks to accelerate progress in science and technology, contribute to rural revitalization, and support efforts against COVID-19, ultimately propelling China towards its second centennial goal and national rejuvenation.