Introduction

The Belt and Road Initiative –China’s proposal to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in cooperation with related countries –was unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visits to Central and Southeast Asia in September and October 2013. The initiative focuses on promoting policy coordination, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties through a consultative process and joint efforts, with the goal of bringing benefits to all.

The initiative covers primarily East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. It reflects a convergence of interests and an increasing need for regional and global cooperation. The response from countries along the proposed Belt and Road has been enthusiastic. As of July 2019, over 150 countries and international organizations had signed cooperation agreements with China.

To support the Belt and Road Initiative – China’s proposal to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in cooperation with related countries - unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping, China Association for Science and Technology and Ministry of Science and Technology of China have jointly launched the Belt and Road Teenager Science Camps annually including Belt and Road Teenager Science Summer Camp and Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp & Teacher Workshop since 2017. Those events aim to strengthen cross-cultural exchange, promote international understanding and inspire innovation in young generation.

The camps give students the opportunity to cooperate with the best of their age at international level, to share ideas and study cutting-edge knowledge in science labs of top schools in China through hands-on experience and teamwork under guidance of experienced teachers.

Science education forum and teacher workshop are held for teachers to share educational practice of different countries and learn skills of stem education.

Belt and Road Teenager Science Camps also include diversified cultural and scientific programs including Chinese cultural experience and various visits. We hope that more and more young scientists from different parts of the world could join in the camps to engage with science and technology, experience various cultures and traditions and build a friendship for lifetime through this wonderful event.