Denver Sister Cities International is proud to introduce the four exceptional Denver Young Ambassadors who will represent our city in Kunming, China, during the Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week 2024. These young leaders have been selected for their passion, dedication, and commitment to fostering international understanding. As they prepare to embark on this incredible journey, they will be officially acknowledged by Mayor Mike Johnston in a special swearing-in ceremony on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the City and County Building in Denver.
Purpose of the Delegation
The Denver Young Ambassador delegation to Kunming will participate in the Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week 2024 from October 14-19. The event brings together youth from sister cities around the world to explore themes of ecological sustainability, cultural exchange, and diplomacy. This delegation represents a continuation of Denver’s 38-year relationship with Kunming, highlighting the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and international collaboration.
The delegation will engage in a weeklong exchange focused on sustainability, culture, and diplomacy, where they will connect with youth from around the world, deepen their understanding of global issues, and share their experiences from Denver. Let’s meet the 2024 Denver Young Ambassadors:
Daniela Arellano
Daniela is eager to immerse herself in Kunming’s cultural traditions. Having grown up in a diverse Denver community, Daniela is excited to share her cultural experiences while learning more about the deep connections between nature and spirituality in Kunming. She hopes to return with fresh perspectives that will enrich her community in Denver and beyond.
Julian Wu
Julian is passionate about environmental sustainability and looks forward to learning about sustainable farming practices in Kunming. His interest in agriculture began during a visit to a tea operation in Yunnan Province before the pandemic, sparking his curiosity about how climate change impacts farming. As a Denver Young Ambassador, Julian is eager to bring back knowledge on sustainability that can help improve agricultural practices in Colorado.
Juan Simon Diego
Juan, a military veteran and aspiring leader in public relations, is thrilled to join the delegation as a Denver Young Ambassador. He hopes to connect with other young leaders from around the world, exchanging ideas and learning about global challenges. Through this experience, Juan aims to deepen his understanding of international relations and bring back valuable leadership insights to serve his community in Denver.
Konrad Rono
Konrad is excited to represent Denver by learning more about Kunming’s wildlife, culture, and cuisine. With a deep appreciation for nature and diverse ecosystems, Konrad hopes to explore how Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring,” balances development with environmental conservation. He is also eager to share his own experiences of living in Colorado and foster mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
Acknowledgment by Mayor Johnston
Join us in celebrating the 2024 Denver Young Ambassadors as they are formally recognized by Mayor Mike Johnston on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the City and County Building of Denver. This special ceremony will mark the beginning of their journey as official representatives of Denver, prepared to engage in meaningful exchanges and build connections across cultures.
Stay tuned for updates as these ambassadors embark on this life-changing adventure and bring back experiences that will benefit our community here in Denver!
