Theme: “Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development”
The 2025 World Youth Development Forum (WYDF), held from July 15 to July 20 in Suzhou and in Shanghai, successfully concluded with a powerful focus on harnessing the potential of youth to drive global development. With more than 500 participants from over 100 countries, this global gathering marked a pivotal moment in mobilizing youth-led solutions for today’s most urgent global challenges.
The event’s theme, “Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development,” provided a platform for youth leaders, government representatives, international organizations, and youth organizations to come together and explore innovative solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The forum’s discussions reflected a shared commitment to fostering youth-led actions for sustainable development and global progress.
The forum was marked by the launch of three major initiatives aimed at accelerating youth-driven solutions: International Youth Advocacy for Unleashing Youth Potential, 100 Excellence Actions of the Global Youth Development Action Plan 2025 and Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development. These initiatives aim to empower youth across the globe and accelerate global efforts to achieve a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
At the opening ceremony, Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), delivered an address in which he highlighted the urgent need for decent jobs and economic opportunities for the world’s 1.2 billion young people. Mr. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment through initiatives focused on digital literacy, green transition skills, and enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes.
Felipe Paullier – United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs 
Thematic Forum on Artificial Intelligence & Technology Innovation
A major thematic session on Artificial Intelligence and Science & Technology Innovation brought together 150 youth leaders from 64 countries. The session focused on how technological advancements are reshaping the future of work and creating new opportunities for youth worldwide. Discussions centered on the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the digital and green economies, which are increasingly becoming integral to future job markets.
Youth-Led Green Consumption and Sustainability Innovations
The forum also highlighted youth-led initiatives in green consumption and sustainable development. Innovators from around the world shared their solutions to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and foster sustainable lifestyles. These young leaders demonstrated how innovation and new technologies, alongside grassroots advocacy, can drive environmental change.
The European Youth Association played a central role in this year’s WYDF, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Europe relations. The China-Europe Youth Leader Development Forum underscored the growing impact of international collaboration in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with youth at the center of these efforts.
With the successful outcomes of the 2025 WYDF, the European Youth Association is committed to continuing its work in empowering young people worldwide. The association looks forward to fostering cross-regional collaboration and advocating for sustainable solutions to the most pressing global challenges, all while ensuring that youth are at the forefront of these efforts.
As the forum concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the knowledge that youth have the power to shape the future and contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world.
