On 7 May, 2026, the APEC Study Centers Consortium Youth Scholars Forum officially opened at CUHK(SZ). As the first academic forum in APEC history dedicated specifically to young scholars, the event has been included as part of the official “APEC China 2026” program.
Held from 7 to 8 May under the theme “Shaping New Drivers of Development: Youth, Innovation, and a Sustainable Future,” the forum brought together emerging scholars and policy thinkers from 13 APEC economies to exchange ideas and explore pathways for regional cooperation and sustainable growth.
In a video address, Vice Minister of Education Ren Youqun encouraged young scholars across APEC economies to take on greater responsibility in advancing frontier technologies, promoting green development, and fostering mutual learning among civilizations. He called on youth to contribute sustained intellectual energy toward building an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial Asia-Pacific community.
The forum marked the first time that youth voices were brought onto the academic stage of regional cooperation in a dedicated and systematic way under the APEC framework. As such, it carried significant symbolic and practical value for the future of Asia-Pacific collaboration.
The event was jointly organised by CUHK(SZ) and the APEC Study Center at Nankai University, with support from the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai.
The forum brought together senior officials, scholars, and experts from 13 APEC economies across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and Singapore.
Among the distinguished guests attending the forum were Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat; Jiang Xiaojuan, Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, former Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and Director of the National Data Expert Advisory Committee; Ren Xianliang, Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference and former Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China; Xu Zhongsheng, Counsellor of the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC; Chen Qing, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee; Ge zhenjiang, Vice President of China Education Development Foundation; Chen Guangjun, Vice Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province; Luo Bing, Director of Shenzhen Municipal Talent Affairs Bureau; Xu Yangsheng, President of CUHK(SZ) and Chair of the Forum Organising Committee; Zheng Yongnian, Director of the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai and Liu Chenyang, Director of the APEC Study Center at Nankai University.
In his welcome remarks, Xu Yangsheng, President of CUHK(SZ), warmly welcomed participating guests and expressed sincere gratitude to the partner institutions for their strong support. He noted that Shenzhen, with an average age of 32, is among the youngest major cities in the world. At the same time, CUHK(SZ) is home to more than 1,000 international students from 41 countries and regions. “Understanding and innovation grow stronger when people from different backgrounds learn and work together,” he added.
Addressing the young scholars in attendance, Xu pointed out the decisive role of youth in shaping the region’s future: “The next ‘golden 30 years of APEC’ will require not only the participation of youth, but their leadership in defining what comes next,” he said.
Xu placed particular emphasis on the importance of practice in the development of young scholars, encouraging participants to engage in three dimensions of practical experience. First, international practice, where direct cross-cultural engagement helps cultivate future bridge-builders. Second, societal engagement, which fosters an integrated understanding of humanity, cultural nuance, and social dynamics—an essential foundation for ensuring that the age of AI remains grounded in human values. Third, experiential learning, through which young scholars develop sound judgment and empathy, connecting knowledge with a sense of responsibility.
APEC Secretariat Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa expressed appreciation to the organisers, participating scholars, and academic representatives attending the forum. He noted that young scholars embody the next wave of innovation and research, bringing fresh momentum into Asia-Pacific cooperation and academic development.
Reflecting on APEC’s development since its establishment, Pedrosa said APEC has grown from 12 to 21 member economies, accounting for 37 percent of the world’s population and approximately 61 percent of world GDP. For nearly four decades, he said, APEC has played an important role in advancing trade and economic cooperation across the region.
Pedrosa added that the forum’s focus on sustainability, emerging technologies, the future of trade, and the opportunities and challenges brought by AI reflects a wide range of global pressing issues. At a time of profound global change, young scholars bring unique perspectives, expertise, and innovative thinking that can help build a more open, dynamic, and resilient Asia-Pacific community, he said.
Jiang Xiaojuan, Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote address under the theme “AI and Global Connectivity: Youth at the Forefront.” Quoting President Xi Jinping’s observation that “AI is a young endeavour and a pursuit for young people,” Jiang described AI as a technology that is “globalised by nature,” noting that it is inherently developed and deployed for global use.
Citing examples such as the fact that more than half of Qwen’s users are based overseas and that over 85 percent of ChatGPT’s monthly active users are outside the United States, Jiang illustrated how digital technologies have transcended national borders from the outset.
Jiang noted that in today’s world, people, technologies, products, and consumption are all becoming “inherently global.” She encouraged the young scholars in attendance to work together to ensure that AI develops in a direction that benefits humanity and contributes to a better, more united, and more inclusive world.
In his keynote speech, World Internet Conference Secretary-General Ren Xianliang highlighted the importance of youth in addressing the opportunities and challenges brought by global digital transformation. Young people are among the most dynamic and creative forces in society, he said. They are not only witnesses to change, but also important drivers of innovation, cooperation, and social progress.
Addressing how young people can drive change, shape the future, and contribute to society amid the global wave of digital transformation, Ren encouraged young scholars to become pioneers in technological innovation, advocates for openness and mutual learning, and guardians of a responsible digital future. He also called on young people to embrace responsibility, strengthen cooperation, and shape the future through innovation and action.
In a video address, Chen Yulu, President of Nankai University, said that the establishment of the Youth Scholars Forum on the occasion of the third “APEC China Year” represents a meaningful expansion and innovation in the development of APEC. He highlighted the contributions of the APEC Study Center at Nankai University over the past three decades in providing “Nankai wisdom” for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region. Chen expressed hope that the forum would serve as an opportunity to deepen exchanges and cooperation among APEC members, jointly address global challenges, build broader consensus, and strengthen collective efforts toward a closer and more united Asia-Pacific community.
In his remarks, Xu Zhongsheng, Counsellor of the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC, introduced key arrangements for APEC China 2026. He noted that amid profound global changes, the Asia-Pacific region is facing multiple challenges. As the host economy for APEC 2026, China has identified “openness, innovation, and cooperation” as its three priority areas, with the goal of building an open, connected, innovation-driven, and mutually beneficial Asia-Pacific region. Xu expressed hope that young scholars would leverage their professional expertise and academic insight to provide intellectual support for APEC China 2026 and contribute youthful energy to the shared prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.
In his remarks, Chen Guangjun, Vice Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, said that Guangdong, as a frontier of China’s reform and opening-up, serves as an important gateway connecting the Asia-Pacific region with the world. He noted that the province provides broad opportunities for young talent across the Asia-Pacific to pursue innovation and realize their aspirations. Chen added that the forum’s theme aligns closely with the shared interests and development priorities of APEC economies, and expressed hope that young scholars would use the forum as a platform to deepen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, and contribute fresh ideas and momentum to regional stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Following the opening ceremony, the forum moved into four rounds of academic discussions focused on some of the most urgent and forward-looking issues facing the Asia-Pacific.
The four sessions each approached a shared question from different perspectives: in an increasingly uncertain world, how can the Asia-Pacific cultivate new growth drivers, and how can young people play a more active and constructive role in shaping that future?
Young scholars in attendance engaged in lively exchanges—offering academic insights, practical proposals, and lessons from their own economies, while identifying new possibilities for cross-regional cooperation.
As technological progress reshapes industrial ecosystems, AI transforms education, and green transition redefines development pathways, youth remain the most dynamic force behind these changes. The establishment of APEC’s first dedicated Youth Scholars Forum is a strong recognition of that reality.
Born from reform and opening-up, and thriving through innovation and entrepreneurship, Shenzhen stands as one of the most compelling examples of Asia-Pacific cooperation in action. Hosting APEC’s first-ever Youth Scholars Forum in Shenzhen is therefore more than a matter of geography—it is a natural alignment between youthful aspiration and the city’s forward-looking and innovative character.
The choice of CUHK(SZ) as the venue further reflects this convergence of the spirit of youth, the dynamism of the city, and the mission of the university. As a young, open, and international institution, the university provides an ideal platform for young scholars across the Asia-Pacific to exchange ideas, build consensus, and expand cooperation.
At this important moment in APEC China 2026, the forum also highlights the indispensable role of universities in promoting youth engagement, advancing academic cooperation, and fostering innovative thinking.
At CUHK(SZ), this gathering highlighted the growing role of young scholars in shaping a more open, innovative, and sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific.
