ICC and CGTN Jointly Organized the APEC Youth Forum

Youth is the future of the country and the future of the world. The world youth are the pioneers in driving innovation. In this regard, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has long supported youth to promote regional change and cooperation. In a congratulatory letter for the first World Youth Development Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that youth symbolizes hope and creates the future. China has always seen young people as a vital force for social development, and encouraged young people to exhibit their youthful vitality in building a community with a shared future for mankind, so as to give a youth voice to the unity of people around the world, and inject youth energy into global development and progress.

APEC Youth Forum

On November 16, the APEC Youth Forum, jointly organized by the ICC and the China Media Group CGTN, was broadcast on the CGTN official website and various social media platforms, attended by 11 industry representatives, 2 special consultants and 12 observers from 17 APEC member economies. Under the topics of “We Inspire， We Connect, We Envision”, the participants discussed the positive role played by the APEC in promoting global economic cooperation and deepening regional economic integration over the past three decades. They also shared stories and anecdotes about the growth of their own countries and other economies and as well as the fruits of cooperation that they have witnessed. They are to facilitate global development initiatives with concrete actions, contribute to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and jointly write a new chapter in the era of Asia-Pacific youth solidarity and cooperation.

Venue of the APEC Youth Forum

The APEC Youth Forum was being held simultaneously through meetings in Beijing and global video connections. The forum consisted of three segments, moderated by CGTN hosts Chen Yilin and Yang Di. The first segment was entitled “We Inspire”, in which young people from China, the United States, Canada and other countries and regions shared their perspectives, views and insights. The second segment was entitled “We Connect”, in which 11 guests and observers from a number of Asia-Pacific countries and regions spoke on the topic of “opportunities and challenges”, “cultural exchange and cooperation”, and “sustainable development”. The third segment was “We Envision”, in which young guests shared their insights into the prospects of global economic cooperation and the future of the Asia-Pacific economy, and unanimously expressed their confidence in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve long-term, strong, innovative and inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Youth Representatives at Discussion

From November 11th to 17th, the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting had been held in San Francisco, the United States, with the theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.” The current situation in the Asia-Pacific region is overall stable, where regional cooperation gains momentum. Peaceful development and win-win cooperation are the mainstream. Meanwhile, the world has been in a new period of turbulence and changes, with geopolitical tensions overlapping the evolving economic landscape. The above-mentioned factors are impacting on the development environment and cooperation architecture of the Asia-Pacific region. At the new crossroads, Asia-Pacific players’ dedication to the original inspiration and the correct direction of cooperation bears on global peace and development. It’s a test for the wisdom and commitment of all parties in the region. The APEC Youth Forum is of great significance in deepening dialogue and exchanges among the youth of APEC member countries, promoting unity and cooperation, and facilitating the realization of APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040.

Related Information

Founded in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the Asia-Pacific region’s highest-level, broadest and most influential economic cooperation mechanism. Over the past 30 years, the APEC has witnessed the historical achievements of development in the region and has been an important driving force behind the “Asia-Pacific Miracle”. The APEC Youth Forum provides a platform for the youth of the Asia-Pacific region to communicate, exchange and cooperate with each other. By doing so, the Forum promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and creates a resilient and sustainable future for all.