The 2nd International Cooperation and Development Conference for Young Entrepreneurs Opens in Anji, Focusing on Youth Innovation and Sustainable Development

On the morning of October 29, the 2nd International Cooperation and Development Conference for Young Entrepreneurs, themed “Sharing New Opportunities, Shaping New Developments,” opened in Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Wang Yi, Vice president of the All-China Youth Federation; Fabrizio Hochschild, former Under-Secretary-General of United Nations; Chen Hao, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of Huzhou CIty; Zhou Suhong, Secretary of the Communist Youth League Zhejiang Provincial Committee; and Deborah Bottreau, Chair of the Executive Committee of the International Alliance of Youth Entrepreneurs Associations and Chair of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council. Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), delivered a video speech. Liu Aiping, Chairman of the China International Youth Exchange Center, presided over the ceremony.

In his opening address, Fabrizio Hochschild, formerUnder-Secretary-General of United Nations, emphasized that in today’s profoundly changing global economic landscape, innovation has become a core driver of enterprise competitiveness. He called on young entrepreneurs to aim for promoting economic growth and sustainable development, seize new market opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, foster a digital innovation ecosystem through technological advancement, build business models that integrate commercial and social value creation, and contribute to global economic connectivity and common development.

In his video speech, Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, pointed out that the digital divide remains a significant global challenge. He stated that the ITU is committed to deepening global connectivity, actively advancing youth empowerment programs worldwide, and promoting inclusive development. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to be bold in innovation, strengthen collaboration, and work together to shape a benevolent and inclusive AI digital future.

In the opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by other distinguished guests including Chen Wenling, former Chief Economist of the China International Economic Exchange Center; Tan Chee Hiong, CEO of the Executive Committee of the International Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Associations and President of the Malaysian Mandarin Young Entrepreneurs Association; and Francis Gurry, former Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, who spoke via video.

As one of the key supporting organizers of the conference, the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center played an active role in promoting youth participation in global sustainable development. On the afternoon of October 28, the Center hosted the main forum on “International Dialogue on Youth Innovation and Sustainable Development,” which focused on two major topics: “Innovation: New Opportunities in China’s Economy” and “Collaboration: New Impetus for Global Development.” The forum brought together representatives from international organizations, chamber leaders, and young entrepreneurs for in-depth exchanges.

On the morning of October 29, the Center continued its role as a co-organizer, joining the China International Youth Exchange Center, the International Telecommunication Union, and other institutions to host “Parallel Dialogue II: New Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence.” During this session, the “International Youth Entrepreneurs Digital Innovation Case Collection Initiative” was launched. This initiative, jointly spearheaded by the China International Youth Exchange Center, the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, and the International Trade Centre, aims to encourage young entrepreneurs to engage in practical cooperation in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The conference brings together business leaders, heads of economic organizations, and youth entrepreneur representatives from nearly 40 countries and regions. Participants will engage in dialogues and discussions on topics including innovation and collaboration, green industries and technological practices, and new opportunities in artificial intelligence.