We may have grown in different homes, may have seen different mountains, may

have felt different emotions, but remember: we came here different, we’ll leave united. With
one heart, one mind, one aspect. This is our world.

Greetings, everyone! I am Dan Zhixun, the rising phoenix from the Pearl of the
Orient: the Philippines! I stand here today, in front of more than 200 people, representing
more than 100 countries, yet are still bound with one will: the will to be united, to be one.
Today, I stand here, not only as a 10th grader, not only as a 15-year-old, not only as an
artist, a poet, or an advocate. I stand here today, to be one with you all.

In the 21st century, we are expanding our territories beyond borders. Beyond our
own expectations. And with this, it is the youth who are defining the future. It is the young
people who are showing the true colors of how to be one world. The youth are the future. We
are the future. But, how do we prove that we are the future?

Our Chinese studies brought us to be a part of this competition. And, with our
Chinese studies, we are learning Chinese culture as well. With this, I have shown a possible
way for us to be part of the future: by relating to other cultures, by understanding how a
language works, by education.

As a journalist, I have learned that education is important to show the people what
the truth is. And with that, it is important for us youth to show the truth that every culture is
different, every culture is unique, and that we should not judge them based on our own
perspectives. This is the beauty of being united.

To end, let’s relate it to the art of Shufa. We take our energy from the brush, and onto
the paper. Each stroke order is important, and each stroke must have an energy on its own.
But it forms one character, that brings one form. Much like Shufa, we should remember to
take our own actions, take our own responsibilities, but show one will: that with this, we can
mold the future, because we are the future.

I am Dan Zhixun, the rising phoenix of the Philippines.