Vice-Foreign Minister Le Yucheng has encouraged young people in Eurasian nations and member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to make practical efforts to help promote the development of their countries and improve well-being.

Speaking at the China-SCO-Eurasia Youth Leaders Dialogue event on Tuesday, Le said the youth are the leaders and creators of the future.

At a time when regional countries have opted to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to face today's risks and challenges, young people should devote themselves to the great cause of national development and regional prosperity with a passion for progress, an aspiration to rejuvenate their countries and a love for the world, Le said.

He said that the heads of state of the SCO member nations have attached great importance to work carried out by young people, and have high expectations for their growth and progress.

At the 2018 SCO Summit held in Qingdao, Shandong province, President Xi Jinping and the leaders of other SCO member states adopted a Joint Appeal to Youth, in which they encouraged young people to shoulder their responsibilities and promote common development and prosperity for all countries.

The youth should bear in mind these words and make genuine efforts to promote the development and revitalization of their countries while improving the well-being of their people, Le said.

He also urged them to take advantage of scientific and technological advancements to improve and become the force needed for social development and progress. In this way, they would be serving their countries and overall society, he added.

As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are approaching, the vice-foreign minister said the athletes are expected to perform well, and young people from all over the world will support the Games and contribute to enhancing country-to-country friendship and people-to-people understanding.