With resounding enthusiasm, the youth take up the pledge: “Come together for the Expo! Strive forward for the youth!”. These words reverberate in front of the Yifu Building of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Today, 140 “Little Leaves” from SJTU officially embark on their journey. From Liu Shenglei, the only ‘sixth-grade’ student in the city, to freshman Mo Li from Uzbekistan, “Little leaves” from SJTU will exemplify their sense of responsibility and youth vigor as they engage in volunteer service for the CIIE. With unwavering determination and dependable capabilities, they will collectively enhance China’s diplomatic image, proudly representing the spirit of youth.

The Only “Sixth-Grade” “Little Leaf” in the City

For Liu Shenglei, a student from School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this year marks his sixth time serving as a volunteer for the CIIE. Over time, Liu has accumulated experiences through various volunteer roles, including serving as a sub-forum volunteer, leading the communication staff team for the Hongqiao Forum, and working as a student “interpreter” in the Interpretation Department, etc. This year’s CIIE will be Liu’s final journey, since he will graduate from graduate school in March, 2024. “Throughout these six year, I have remained committed to my original aspiration—to strive for the glory of our country and contribute to our city”, said Liu, “I hope I could make meaningful contributions to the CIIE by helping others, making experience at the CIIE and the volunteering spirit be the golden memory of my school days.”

Diverse “Little Leaves” join the CIIE

This year’s “Little Leaves” from SJTU possess rich experiences and versatile styles. Some of them are student tutors who balance academic studies and work responsibilities, some have accumulated over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, some are “Slash Youth” with multi-facet talents including art, sports and academic studies. More than half of have previously volunteered at other large-scale events such as the previous CIIE, Shanghai International Marathon and China Flower Expo, and their grade spans from sophomore to third-year doctoral.

Mo Li, a freshman “Little Leaf” from the School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, hails from Uzbekistan. Historically, Uzbekistan and China have engaged in interactions for over 2,000 years. From the ancient Silk Road to the current “The Belt and Road Initiative”, the two countries have maintained a long-standing tradition close cooperation and communication.

Mo shares that she is contemplating opening an account on a short video social platform to introduce more people to Uzbek culture, thereby contributing to the volunteer service at the CIIE.

SJTU’s Heartwarming Support and Care with Technology

In order to create a vibrant atmosphere of the CIIE and enhance the sense of happiness of the “Little Leaves” during their service, SJTU set up a group-photo board and message wall in the shared dormitory area. SJTU designed exclusive gift bags for each student, supplied warm jackets and special office suits, and arranged numerous “volunteers of volunteers” to provide logistical support for the “Little Leaves”.

Meanwhile, focusing on the themes of “The Belt and Road Development”, “ the 6^th China International Import Expo” and “the Gate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University”, this year’s CIIE designed 10 different kinds of commemorative badges to create unique memories for the volunteers.

Editor on Duty: Yan Cheng

Responsible Editor: Jiang Qianqian, Fu Yuhe