The third International Youth Forum (IYF3) and Changsha Media Arts Festival were held simultaneously from 31 March to 3 April 2019. In light of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network’s objectives, the events included a high-level forum as well as parallel sessions with the participation of representatives from 13 Creative Cities.

The opening, in the presence of senior representatives from UNESCO, Creative Cities and the youth, was followed by a media arts performance, which highlighted an innovative way to mixing traditional fireworks with media arts.

The high-level forum, themed around Youth Creativity and Innovation in the Age of Media Arts, saw the participation of speakers from diverse backgrounds such as UNESCO representatives, government officials and corporate executives from cultural enterprises. A series of Q&A was designed specifically to facilitate full and active participation from the youth.

At parallel sessions, representatives shared their cultural policies and good practices, particularly those involving public and private sector partnership. Many cities proposed to enhance cooperation between cities through exchanges based on cultural and creative industries.