2026 China–UK Youth People-to-People Exchange Programme Summer Camp Successfully Held in the United Kingdom
In July 2026, the China–UK Youth People-to-People Exchange Programme Summer Camp, organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Ministry of Education of China, was successfully held in the United Kingdom.
More than 360 students from 12 primary and secondary schools across Beijing, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Jincheng and other cities participated in the programme. During their stay, students attended classes alongside their British peers in local schools, lived with British host families, visited world-renowned universities including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, explored historic and cultural landmarks, and took part in a wide range of intercultural exchange activities. Through these experiences, young people from China and the UK learned from one another, deepened mutual understanding, forged lasting friendships, and became young ambassadors for China–UK people-to-people exchange.
As part of the programme, Chinese and British students jointly presented a cultural showcase featuring both Eastern and Western traditions, highlighting rich cultural heritage alongside youthful creativity and vitality. Mr. Yu Changxue, Director of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, delivered a keynote speech via video. The event was also attended by Mr. George Pippas, the 811th Mayor of Cambridge and Honorary Chairman of the British Educational Technology Society, and Professor Geoff Hayward, Vice Chairman of the British Educational Technology Society and former Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge.
In his address, Director Yu emphasised that young people are the driving force behind international people-to-people exchange. He encouraged Chinese and British students to transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences, build sincere and enduring cross-cultural friendships, and actively serve as young ambassadors for China–UK relations. He also called on all sectors of society to continue supporting and strengthening the China–UK youth exchange platform by enriching programme formats, expanding channels for cooperation, and creating more opportunities for face-to-face communication. Such efforts, he noted, will help cultivate a new generation of young people who promote peace, friendship and mutual understanding, and contribute to a new chapter of cultural exchange and friendship between China and the UK.
In their remarks, Mr. George Pippas and Professor Geoff Hayward praised the Chinese students for demonstrating the confidence, openness and aspirations of today's young generation. They noted that through meaningful interaction, British students gained a more authentic and comprehensive understanding of contemporary China and its rich cultural heritage. They expressed the hope that participants would cherish the friendships established during the programme, continue to strengthen ties, deepen mutual understanding, and work together to build lasting bridges of friendship between the two countries.
Since launching the China–UK Youth People-to-People Exchange Programme in October 2024, the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation has organised exchange visits to the UK for more than 1,100 students from across China, while also welcoming British teachers and students to visit China. The programme has achieved significant results in promoting the internationalisation of basic education in China, enhancing young people's global outlook, intercultural communication skills and global competence, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties and friendship between China and the United Kingdom.