“Eagle City” Youth Eco Dialogue Bridges China and the U.S. in Los Angeles Birds as Messengers, Youth as Ambassadors for Cross-Cultural Environmental Exchange
Irvine– The U.S. Award Ceremony of the “Eagle City: Sino-U.S. Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest” was held at Greentree Elementary School in Irvine, California. Organized by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation and hosted by the Southern California Chinese Economic and Cultural Association, the event promotes cross-cultural dialogue among youth through ecological themes, strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing sustainability awareness.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General of the Luhai Foundation, Chen Can, emphasized, “People-to-people exchange is the cornerstone of China-U.S. friendship, and youth are our hope for the future. When the green mountains of Chongqing meet the sunshine of California, and when migratory birds from both nations echo each other, we see not only ecological connections but a vivid reflection of our shared destiny.”
Dongping Huang , President of the Southern California Chinese Economic and Cultural Association, emphasized, “This competition is not only a showcase of creativity, but also a bridge for young people from China and the U.S. to understand ecology and engage in dialogue with the world. We hope more youth will join the effort to protect biodiversity.”
The event featured a screening of the “Eagle City” promotional video, highlighting Chongqing’s harmony between people and nature, which resonated with American attendees.
The Chongqing delegation, including Chen Can, project coordinator Li Nanxin, cultural exchange center director Li Hui, and youth representative Zhao Yifan, visited key conservation organizations in Southern California such as the Audubon Society (OC Chapter), Southern California Bluebird Club, International Bird Rescue, and the Orange County Raptor Center. They exchanged ideas on biodiversity protection, avian rescue, public education, and youth engagement, exploring opportunities for international collaboration on raptor conservation.
Youth dialogue was a highlight of the tour, with the delegation presenting themed exhibitions and student showcase events at Foothill High School, Irvine High School, and Portola High School. Chen Can shared the story of ecological protection in Chongqing, while Zhao Yifan discussed her creative process for her award-winning piece. American students wrote and exchanged over 300 friendship cards with their Chinese peers, pledging to continue their eco dialogue through correspondence—planting the seeds of conservation in the fertile soil of cultural exchange.
The event received support from local elected officials. Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner sent a letter of appreciation, commending the Luhai Foundation’s role in fostering U.S.-China cultural ties. Irvine City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, represented by Austin Dick, delivered remarks welcoming Chinese youth to the U.S. and encouraging joint exploration of nature and biodiversity protection.
Yifan Zhao shared her reflection: “Visiting American bird conservation groups has shown me that just like migratory birds transcend borders, so must our efforts to protect them.” American student awardee Joshua Lin Sherman echoed this sentiment, calling for community-wide action: “From schools to neighborhoods, from watching one bird to protecting entire forests—everyone has a role in ecological protection.”
At the award ceremony, top prizes were announced, recognizing youth contributions in smart birdhouse design, urban wetland planning, bird-themed educational games, and more—demonstrating the diversity and creativity of cross-cultural visions for bird-friendly cities. The ceremony also featured lively performances celebrating youth cooperation and shared values.
Organizers hope the Eagle City initiative will continue to use birds as a bridge between nations, transforming creative exchange into an ecological awakening that fosters friendship and consensus among the next generation.
