WYF Future Economics Leadership Summit concludes in Hong Kong

The World Youth Forum (WYF) Future Economics Leadership Summit successfully concluded yesterday at Asia World-Expo Hong Kong. Over 500 youth representatives from 15 countries and regions, including the United States, Singapore, India, Türkiye, Japan, and China, gathered for five days of cross-cultural learning and cutting-edge deliberations. 

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

Youth flag bearers from 15 countries and regions mark the opening of the summit. Photos courtesy of event organizer

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; Dr. 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.

Cross-national youth perspectives earn high acclaim

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 U.S.-South Korea. Teams engaged in deep discussions on cutting-edge topics such as cost-benefit trade-offs, business model innovation, and sustainable development. Several teams' unique insights were highly commended by experts as "groundbreaking youth perspectives," showcasing the distinct value of international collaboration in addressing global issues.

Students from South Korea and Indonesia team up for the "U20 Youth Voice" challenge.

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/business coaches from countries including China, the U.S., 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.

Youth demonstrate 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. 

Young flag bearers escort the peace banner, jointly advocating for world peace.

At the closing ceremony, 16-year-old Thai representative Phattaranan Hayioumart remarked: "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."

"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."

Houston Hou delivers closing remarks.

WYF is an international platform for challenge-based learning and growth, co-create by top global cross-sector resources. Its "WYF Future Liberal Arts Leadership Summit," focusing on liberal arts education, will commence on August 12 in Macao, China. 

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