On November 19, the Boao Forum for Asia Youth Summit 2024 Hong Kong Conference was unveiled with two dynamic roundtables.
Roundtable one themed "Artificial Intelligence: Young Innovators Leading the Way" sparked spirited discussions on how young people use cutting-edge technologies to promote global development in this fast-changing era. Participants said that over the past few years, the application of AI across industries has undergone transformative changes, introducing many innovative scenarios and applications, as well as creating more business opportunities and markets. They pointed out that young people should actively and courageously face challenges as they use AI to advance global development. AI-driven innovation is a critical tool for addressing shared human challenges and problems. Young people must capitalize on their unique advantages, keep learning, embrace AI technology, and unleash their imagination to create a brighter and more sustainable future.
Roundtable two themed "Climate Challenges: Youth in Action" had an in-depth discussion about how to build collaborative platforms and create opportunities to enable young people to play a key role in facing the global challenge of climate change. The panelists said that young people have the motivation and ability to change society and shape the future. They should make better use of their professional knowledge to contribute uniquely to achieving global sustainable development goals. Young people are the driving force of future development and able to provide effective solutions for social and environmental problems. The panelists also pointed out that through education and practice, youth can develop a mindset to focus on sustainable development and environmental responsibility, better learn and apply knowledge and skills about the climate crisis, and participate more in innovation and creation, with a view to contributing to promoting global agreements and development goals in the field of climate change.
Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, as a special guest said in her guiding speech at the roundtable two that youth are crucial participants in the future. She stressed that climate change is very important for humanity and future generations. She urged young people to think in a global perspective and take meaningful, practical actions to exert practical impacts on solving climate change. Young people should learn how to collect, analyze, and apply knowledge to provide viable and effective solutions for climate challenges. She also called on youth to strengthen communication with policymakers, actively advocate for the importance of properly addressing climate change, and push forward real transformation in the field of climate action.
Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of Boao Forum for Asia, said in his closing remarks that the sustainable development agenda is a key focus of the United Nations. He pointed out that the climate crisis is worsening, and the lack of trust and cooperation has made global efforts to combat climate change even more difficult. He urged young people to prepare solutions and responses, identify clear directions, and take action to tackle global challenges such as climate change. He called on youth to provide innovative perspectives and solutions for transforming global production and lifestyles. He encouraged young people to start with minor actions from now on, and actively engage in international cooperation to combat climate change. He also stated that Boao Forum for Asia is willing to commit itself to being a platform, through which youth can leverage their unique strengths and critical roles to create a greener, more sustainable, and brighter future for humanity.
Youth representatives from the United Nations, other international organizations, business communities, and academic fields joined the roundtable discussions.
