The future of the world is in the hands of the younger generation. A nation can be full of hope that it will enjoy a bright future when its younger generations have ideals, ability and a strong sense of responsibility. And a nation that maintains its youthful vigor will prosper.

This was the essence of the important speech President Xi Jinping delivered at a grand gathering to mark the 100th anniversary of the Communist Youth League of China on Tuesday morning. And it should inspire its members to inherit the Youth League's historical legacy and spare no efforts in making their due contributions to national rejuvenation.

Over the past 100 years, since it was established on May 5, 1922, the League has made important contributions to the achievements of the Chinese revolution and national development with its vitality, knowledge, courage and patriotism. And in the new era, the 81.25 million members of the League, who are aged between 14 and 28, continue to make key contributions to the efforts to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Like a relay race, that great cause of the Party and the Chinese people has entailed the endeavors of generations of young people. And Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the Youth League members to build up firm beliefs, and boost their courage and skills to better carry on the historical responsibility of the League in the face of the complex situation today.

Speaking at a ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, he called on the League to act as a strong bond between the Party and Chinese youth, helping them to understand socialism with Chinese characteristics and communism in practice at an early age, and cultivating trust in the Party, confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics and belief in Marxism, so that they uphold the banner of patriotism and socialism.

Saying that over the past century, the firm beliefs and convictions demonstrated by the members of the Communist Youth League of China have served as the most fundamental and long-lasting source of cohesiveness, Xi urged the League to pursue self-reform and explore new models for its grassroots organizations in light of the profound changes in how young people today live and work, so as to consolidate and expand the patriotic united front of youth.

Young people are like saplings that thrive on the earth, and with the care of the Communist Youth League of China, the Party and the nation, the Chinese youth of today will grow into towering trees in the future. And with the country's youth mobilized to make new and greater contributions to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the country can face the future with confidence.