As the world faces unprecedented challenges, green technology and youth empowerment have become crucial to getting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track. During the United Nations “Summit of the Future Action Day,” the China Pavilion: Path to an Inclusive Future, co-hosted by the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO), Peaceland Foundation, Global Youth Philanthropy, and Climind, and co-organized by the African Union, United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), AVPN, Ant Group, and Yuanmeng Public Welfare Foundation, was successfully held in New York.
The event featured two key side events: “Inclusive Digital Futures: Fostering Ethical AI for Community Empowerment and Equality” and “Empowering Youth: Green Impact for a Sustainable Future.”
These sessions brought together over 70 global youth representatives, NGOs, government agencies, think tanks, businesses, and financial institutions. Participants explored how technological innovation and global cooperation can address challenges related to digital inclusion, community resilience, and sustainable development. The event was chaired by Professor Zhang Qiang from the School of Government at Beijing Normal University.
Ms. Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Ambassador of Kenya to China, attended the event and shared insights into the collaboration between Africa and China. She highlighted the positive role and future opportunities for youth innovation, particularly in the agricultural sector.
At the “Empowering Youth: Green Impact for a Sustainable Future” side event, Ms. Peng Yijie, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant Group, shared three stories about “change,” highlighting the green practices of young people through the Ant Forest initiative. She explained how digital technology is driving transformation in the digital era, and how carbon reduction, ecological benefits, and economic impact are tightly interconnected.
Liu Xiaochang, Senior Expert at the Chinese Association for International Understanding, introduced a youth environmental education project, using Beijing No. 57 High School as an example. The project invited experts and scholars to provide professional courses and dialogues, encouraged students to create short films, and engaged them in practical activities such as industrial and food waste management, as well as Yellow River sediment collection, to enhance their environmental awareness and sense of responsibility.
In a keynote speech, Tristan Ace, the Chief Engagement Officer of AVPN emphasized the importance of a “people-centered just transition in the Asia-Pacific region.” He explained how AVPN builds Asia’s impact ecosystem through its member network, knowledge sharing, capital mobilization, impact communities, and policy engagement. He stressed that while a just energy transition is crucial for addressing global climate change, the region still faces significant environmental and economic challenges.
During the “Future Blue Talk” session, Ms.Yuanyan Xie, the founder and chairperson of Global Youth Philanthropy, pointed out that the United Nations has launched the “Youth 2030 Strategy”, emphasizing the important role of youth in promoting current changes. Global Youth Philanthropy actively responds to this strategy. With the mission of “gathering the power of young people around the world, focusing on sustainable development issues, and innovating global governance”, it builds a global platform for youth public welfare innovation, inspiring the responsibility and sense of mission of young people, injecting youth power into world development. At the same time, it promotes cross-cultural exchanges among international youth and helps build a more beautiful common future for the world.
At the meeting, Actor and director Sophia Jiening Zhu, a graduate of Tisch School of Art at New York University, hosted the “Future Blue Dialogue” session, outstanding youth representatives from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and other places gave keynote speeches one after another. Tuqa Alibadi, a 2023 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate, explored the impact of the digital era on contemporary youth. Keito Orii shared his deep understanding of the intersection between art and technology, highlighting that they are not only tools for self-expression but also powerful forces for change. Alice Xuanyu Wang called for the protection of orcas and their ecosystems, stressing the urgency of actions to safeguard marine biodiversity. Ivy Xintong Li discussed the role of technology in bridging gender gaps, particularly in the context of the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Anna Yixin Liu presented her artwork, combining her passion for art with environmental protection, and launched the “Art of Climate Change Alliance,” inviting young artists and environmental advocates to use art to raise environmental awareness and inspire action.Athenia Liu shared her experience of challenging eczema and creating the “Farewell Eczema Alliance”, exploring the new meaning of health and healing; It aims to help others achieve harmony and balance between body and mind in a natural and sustainable way through lifestyle changes, so as to achieve holistic health both inside and outside. Ema Anyue Sun , who took the TEDxYouth stage at the age of 9 to explain “Why Parents Should Listen to Kids,” now works on the Youth Voice initiative, a global collaboration platform empowering youth to lead social action.
Towards the end of the dialogue, Mr. Hu Bo, founder of the Yuanmeng Public Welfare Foundation, Ms. Qiu Lili, founder of the Peaceland Foundation, Ms. Xie Yuanyan, founder of the Global Youth Philanthropy, awarded protective helmets and vests to youth representatives and jointly announced the establishment of the “Youth Voice Press Corps.”
During the roundtable discussion, chaired by Yang Mingyu, PhD student in Electrical Engineering at Tsinghua University, participants included Edenamiuki Aiguobasinmwin. Ms. Charlene Ruto, Founder of the Africa SMACHS Foundation, made a brief statement. Founder and Global Director of Young Creative Leader, UK; Laraib Abid, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Flare of MASHAL, Pakistan; and Qiu Boran, PhD candidate in Environmental Science at Peking University. The discussion focused on how they have applied technology and sustainable practices to drive environmental and social change, emphasizing the innovative methods and key roles of youth in building a greener and more sustainable future.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Qiu Lili expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their attendance, particularly for the inspiring speeches and discussions.
As António Guterres stated, “2024 must be a year of rebuilding trust and reigniting hope. We must overcome divisions, unite, and seek common solutions.” This event focused on key topics such as technological innovation, sustainable practices, and youth empowerment, gathering global wisdom to provide valuable solutions and pathways to achieving the SDGs. It not only fostered global cooperation but also inspired countries to work towards shared goals, moving collectively towards a more inclusive, just, and green future.
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Country: China
Website: http://www.youth-global.org/
