Group photo of guests participating in the forum on May 7, 2026 in Shenzhen
As part of the official "APEC China 2026" program, the two-day APEC Study Centers Consortium Youth Scholars Forum opened on May 7 in Shenzhen. The forum aims to enhance exchanges among young scholars and nurture the next generation of APEC researchers.
The forum is jointly organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), and the APEC Study Center of Nankai University. It is supported by the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai.
Xu Yangsheng delivers welcoming remarks at the forum on May 7, 2026, in Shenzhen.
In his welcoming remarks, Xu Yangsheng, President of CUHK-Shenzhen, welcomed the participating guests. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the partner institutions for their strong support.
He noted that Shenzhen is among the youngest major cities in the world. Xu emphasized 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 also highlighted the significance of practice in the development of young scholars. He encouraged participants to engage in three dimensions of practical experience, namely international practice, societal engagement, and experiential learning.
Eduardo Pedrosa delivers his remarks at the forum on May 7, 2026, in Shenzhen.
During his remarks, APEC Secretariat Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa underscored that young scholars represent the next wave of innovation and research. He noted that they bring fresh momentum to Asia-Pacific cooperation and academic development.
"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," Pedrosa noted.
For about four decades, he stated, APEC has played a crucial role in advancing trade and economic cooperation across the region.
"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 added.
Themed "Forging New Drivers for Development: Youth, Innovation, and a Sustainable Future," the forum brought together young scholar representatives from 13 economies: Australia, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and Singapore.
Young scholars and APEC officials attend the forum on May 7, 2026, in Shenzhen. (South Photo)
Timothy Richard Lawler, a Policy and Research Advisor at the Australian APEC Study Centre of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, told South that at a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is very important to continue reaffirming the significance of multilateral institutions such as APEC. "Ensuring that resources are directed to continuing work in multilateral forums like this is crucial," he added.
He identified a potential area for future cooperation between Australia and China: the free trade area of the Asia-Pacific region. "With China hosting APEC this year, it provides us with a great opportunity to move toward that in substantive ways," he noted, expressing optimism about mutual collaboration in this area.
Background of the forum on May 7, 2026, in Shenzhen (South Photo)
Following the opening ceremony, the forum proceeded to four rounds of academic discussions focused on some of the most urgent and forward-looking issues facing the Asia-Pacific region.
Each of the four sessions 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 respective economies. They also identified new possibilities for cross-regional cooperation.
As technological progress reshapes industrial ecosystems, AI transforms education, and the green transition redefines development pathways, youth remains the most dynamic force behind these changes. The establishment of APEC's first dedicated Youth Scholars Forum is a strong recognition of this reality.
Reporter | Zhang Ruijun
Photo | The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
