Participants pose for a group photo during the event. Photos courtesy of event organizers

Nearly 100 young representatives and experts from across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Shenzhen from Oct. 12 to 15 for a series of dialogues aimed at strengthening cross-cultural understanding and cooperation among young people.

The 2026 Wisedemo Campaign: Asia-Pacific Youth Shenzhen Dialogue was held under the theme “Gathering Youth Wisdom, Building the Asia-Pacific Future Together.” 

Jointly organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and Shenzhen University, the events combined academic discussions, youth-led proposals and field visits, offering participants opportunities to exchange ideas and explore practical ways to strengthen regional cooperation.

A panel discussion focus on young people's responsibilities in the Asia-Pacific community.

Li Yafang, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, said closer communication and mutual understanding were increasingly important amid global uncertainties. She encouraged young people to promote mutual learning among civilizations, explore innovation-driven development and contribute to building an Asia-Pacific community.

Chao Naipeng, vice president of Shenzhen University, called on young people to engage in dialogue with independent thinking, respect rules and take responsibility in cooperation. He said the region needed not only connections across geographical distances but also greater understanding across cultural divides.

A photo collage shows participants of the event visiting companies and public spaces in Shenzhen.

A highlight was the release of proposals submitted under the International Youth Wisdom Initiative. The program received 202 valid proposals from young people representing APEC economies, including China, the United States, Canada, Russia, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Chile and Peru. Their ideas addressed a range of issues, from intercultural understanding to artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

The event also featured a youth roundtable on responsibilities in the Asia-Pacific community and two parallel proposal presentation sessions. Participants shared experiences in cultural preservation, international communication, education and community engagement, while experts assessed proposals for their originality, feasibility and practical value.

An exhibition showcased young people's proposals, while an AI interaction zone demonstrated applications developed by more than 10 artificial intelligence companies in areas such as content creation, intelligent interaction and cross-cultural communication.

As part of the program, more than 20 proposal authors visited Shenzhen-based companies specializing in cultural technology, intelligent manufacturing and robotics on Oct. 14 and 15. They also explored public spaces and city landmarks to learn about Shenzhen's technological innovation, reform and opening-up, and urban ecological development.