CCG and Boao Forum for Asia Co-Host Youth Roundtable
March 26 , 2025CCG and Boao Forum for Asia Co-Host Youth Roundtable to Explore How Youth Can Lead a Sustainable Future
On March 26, 2025, the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) successfully co-hosted the BFA Annual Conference 2025 Youth Roundtable. Under the theme “Imagination and Innovation: A Sustainable Future Led by Youth,” thirteen outstanding young representatives from various fields across China, Japan, India, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other regions shared their perspectives and experiences. Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of BFA and former Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, and Jenny Shipley, member of the BFA Council of Advisors and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, delivered keynote speeches as special guests. The event was moderated by Mabel Miao Lu, Secretary-General of CCG and founder of the Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) program.
The day prior to the roundtable, the host institutions arranged the “Boao Walk” activity, inviting youth representatives and relevant experts to visit Liuke Village, a historic village in Boao Town, and tour the BFA International Conference Center. The event showcased China’s rural revitalization efforts, as well as the Forum’s commitment to sustainability, from its thematic planning and conference arrangements to its “near-zero carbon” efforts. In a relaxed atmosphere, youth representatives from various countries deepened their mutual understanding and built lasting friendships. Additionally, CCG collected the youth representatives’ ideas on sustainable development, sealing them in an “Imagination Box.”
The roundtable began with a short introductory video that swiftly immersed attendees in the core topics of discussion: how youth can advance the implementation of the “Pact for the Future” adopted at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future; ways to strengthen youth participation in global governance; and strategies to empower young people in the Global South to become a driving force for sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General of BFA Zhang Jun emphasized that in the face of global transformation, youth not only represent hope but also bear the responsibility of driving sustainable development. He highlighted the vital role young people can play in addressing today’s global challenges—rebuilding global trust, fostering international cooperation, and spearheading innovation in technology and ideas. Zhang reaffirmed BFA’s commitment to providing platforms for youth engagement, including initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence.
Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of Boao Forum for Asia and Former Permanent Representative of China to the UN
Secretary-General of CCG Miao Lu underscored that empowering youth is also central to CCG’s mission. In 2020, CCG initiated the Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) program, with the goal of creating an open and inclusive platform for dialogue among young leaders from diverse civilizations, countries, and fields. To date, the program has attracted over 400 outstanding young individuals from more than 60 countries.
Miao Lu, Secretary-General of CCG
During the roundtable discussion, as the moderator, Miao Lu drew three notes from the “Imagination Box,” inviting the chosen youth representatives to share their insights. Gao Min, President of Hempel International Group, highlighted the new opportunities arising from the fashion industry’s transformation through technological empowerment. Rohit Chahal, National Secretary-General of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Youth Wing, discussed how equitable and inclusive education can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development. Hu Zhizhong, Deputy County Magistrate of Lingqiu County in Shanxi, China, illustrated the crucial role of youth in advancing rural sustainability, sharing three compelling stories of Lingqiu’s rural revitalization efforts.
Gao Min, President of Hempel International Group
Rohit Chahal, National Secretary-General of Bharatiya Janata Yuvo Morchaa
Hu Zhizhong, Deputy County Magistrate of Lingqiu County in Shanxi, China
Next, the remaining ten young leaders from diverse fields, including government, academia, business, art, and architecture, shared their experiences and reflections as well. Aoyama Shuhei, Founder and Director Architect of B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, discussed the importance of respecting and preserving local culture in urban design. Awwad Al-Nufaie, Director of Polyethylene Business of Greater China at Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SBIC), emphasized the role of cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable development. Mohamed Zainal Alzarooni, Director of Foreign Investments at the UAE Ministry of Investment, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to investing in and empowering the next generation of talent. Ferro Ferizka Aryananda, Special Advisor to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, underscored the significance of international cooperation in education and technology. Chen Zidan, Chief Sustainability Officer of M&G Stationery Inc., shared insights on corporate sustainability and the evolving values of youth consumers. Islam Alhalawany, former Assistant Dean for International Collaborations at O.P. Jindal Global University, explored the connection between peace, development, and youth-driven innovation. Gao Haichun, Director of Trina Solar Co., Ltd., discussed the emerging global trends led by young people and the Global South’s efforts in advancing green energy. Charmaine Ho, Founder and Creative Director of Charmaine Art Consultancy Limited, reflected on her contributions to society through art, environmental protection, education, and youth communities. Lam Chi Bun, Chairman of the Y.Elites Association, introduced Hong Kong government’s mechanism to encourage youth participation in policymaking. Zhu Weiqing, Chairman and CEO of Shanghai Treasure Carbon New Energy and Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., highlighted new opportunities in China’s and the global carbon markets for mitigating climate change.
Aoyama Shuhei, Founder and Director Architect of B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
Awwad Al-Nufaie, Director of Polyethylene Business of Greater China at SBIC
Mohamed Zainal Alzarooni, Director of Foreign Investments at the UAE Ministry of Investment
Ferro Ferizka Aryananda, Special Advisor to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture of Indonesia
Chen Zidan, Chief Sustainability Officer of M&G Stationery Inc.
Islam Alhalawany, Former Assistant Dean for International Collaborations at O.P. Jindal Global University
Gao Haichun, Director of Trina Solar Co., Ltd.
Charmaine Ho, Founder and Creative Director of Charmaine Art Consultancy Limited
Lam Chi Bun, Chairman of the Y.Elites Association
Zhu Weiqing, CEO of Shanghai Treasure Carbon New Energy and Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Jenny Shipley, member of the BFA Council of Advisors and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, delivered the closing speech. She stressed that the global youth population aged 15 to 24 has reached 1.2 billion, and their voices must be heard. Drawing from her own experiences, she encouraged young people to develop forward-thinking mindsets and the resilience to navigate challenges, growing into courageous and responsible leaders.
Jenny Shipley, member of the BFA Council of Advisors and former Prime Minister of New Zealand
The youth roundtable provided a platform for Asian young leaders to exchange ideas and contribute their collective wisdom to sustainable development. Miao Lu highlighted that the inaugural collaboration between CCG and BFA on this event showcased their shared vision and complementary strengths. Looking ahead, both organizations will continue to strengthen their cooperation on youth-focused initiatives.
