BEIJING - President Hu Jintao Friday spoke highly of the role the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) has played in the country over the past 90 years.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of the CYLC's founding, Hu said the country's young people have made great achievements over the course of three major periods, including China's revolutionary years, period of socialist construction period and era of opening-up and reform.

From generation to generation, young people have grown up and become the most energetic and active force in society, said Hu, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

"History has proved that young people are worthy of high trust and confidence, and are highly promising," Hu said.

Hu said the founding of CYLC was a decision made by the CPC to encourage more young people to take part in China's revolution, adding that the decision showed the Party's awareness of the important role young people play in social development and progress.

The Party attaches great importance to young people, Hu said, adding that it views China's youth as the hope and future of the nation and the country, as well as an impetus for the work of the Party and the people.