HONG KONG – The impact of robotization on the world economy and multicultural exchanges have been the key highlights at the World Youth Forum (WYF) Future Economics Leadership Summit in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The summit successfully concluded on Friday, with over 500 youth representatives from 15 countries and regions, including the United States, Singapore, India, Turkiye, Japan, and China, gathering for five days of cross-cultural learning and cutting-edge deliberations.

Participants explored the profound impact of “robotization” on both macroeconomic landscape and micro-level business models, examining the new opportunities and challenges presented by this technological wave.

Co-hosted by the Global Innovation Center, 21st Century Media & Education, the Council for Economic Education (CEE), and Business Professionals of America (BPA), the summit featured prominent figures including Zhao Gang, director-general of the Global Innovation Center; UnShil Choi, chairperson of UNESCO Expert Advisory Committee for Learning Cities; and Chris Caltabiano, chief program officer of the CEE.

Experts from institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, J.P. Morgan, and Amazon participated as mentors and judges, providing professional guidance and in-depth critiques to the young representatives.

Youth voices

As the first WYF event of the year, the summit featured premier academic challenge programs — the National Economics Challenge (NEC) and Business Professionals of America (BPA) —creating a multidimensional system encompassing academic assessments, case analysis, and business simulations.

The "U20 Youth Voices" segment encouraged cross-cultural team formation, resulting in diverse pairings like China-India, South Korea-Indonesia, Pakistan-Nepal, and the US-South Korea.

Teams engaged in deep discussions on cutting-edge topics such as cost-benefit trade-offs, business model innovation, and sustainable development.

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Highly commended by experts as "groundbreaking youth perspectives”, several teams' unique insights showcased the distinct value of international collaboration in addressing global issues.

Beyond the team challenges, young representatives participated in a "World Youth Fusion" to foster multicultural exchange and integration.

At the "Educators’ Seminar”, education experts and high school economics, as well as business coaches from countries including China, the US, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan held in-depth discussions on fostering financial literacy and the impact of AI on education reform, promoting global exchange and collaboration in education.

A distinguished WYF and NEC alumnus, currently studying at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, shared how their experiences shaped their university studies and future career paths, highlighting the long-term value and sustained influence of these programs.

Commitment to world peace

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, the summit opened with a solemn ceremony. Flags symbolizing peace were escorted to the main stage by youth flag bearers from multiple nations, while over 500 young representatives joining in a collective call for world peace.

This poignant moment highlighted WYF's mission beyond academics—building cross-border trust through win-win cooperation and inclusive exchange, taking concrete action to promote peace and common development.

"At WYF, I see a future full of possibilities, not only for myself but for all young people around the world. We are a generation ready to grow, to learn, and to lead with empathy and courage. The challenges ahead are great, but so is our determination. Together, we can build a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and full of hope," said 16-year-old Thai representative Phattaranan Hayioumart at the closing ceremony.

"Since its inception, WYF has firmly believed that youth are the shapers of the future," said Houston Hou, executive secretary-general of the Global Innovation Center's International Education Committee and executive convener of the World Youth Forum.

"The very purpose of WYF is to provide young people worldwide with a truly global stage of their own," Hou stressed.

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WYF is an international platform for challenge-based learning and growth, co-create by top global cross-sector resources. The WYF Future Liberal Arts Leadership Summit will commence in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Tuesday.

"In the future, WYF will gradually expand to cover multiple competency domains including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Health & Biotechnology. By 2030, we aim to span 100 countries and become the most aspirational global playground for youth worldwide," Hou added.