The APEC Study Centers Consortium Youth Scholars Forum was held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen(CUHK-Shenzhen) on May 7th. As the first multilateral high-level dialogue platform in APEC history dedicated to young scholars, the forum gathered young researchers from 13 APEC economies. Discussions centered on the theme of shaping new momentum for development through youth, innovation, and a sustainable future.

The establishment of this forum is a direct response to the issue of "insufficient youth participation". APEC Secretariat Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa stated that APEC cooperation now requires greater focus on the voices of youth, as young scholars serve as a vital link between academia, industry, and policy. Zheng Yongnian, Dean of the School of Public Policy at CUHK-Shenzhen, also noted that the long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region relies on the most dynamic, creative, and groundbreaking youth population.

Shenzhen was chosen to host the forum due to its transformative spirit and unique character. Zheng highlighted that Shenzhen, with an average age of just over 30, provides the ideal soil for innovation thanks to its inclusive and egalitarian environment as an immigrant city. The relationship between Shenzhen and APEC is one of mutual empowerment, where Shenzhen's innovation injects momentum into APEC while the organization provides a crucial window for the city's comprehensive internationalization.

The topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage during the forum. Participants reached a consensus that AI has evolved from a technical hotspot into essential industrial infrastructure and a core governance issue. Additionally, Zheng called for the Youth Scholars Forum to be institutionalized as a standing platform within APEC.

APEC青年学者论坛在深圳举行

5月7日，APEC研究中心联席会议青年学者论坛在香港中文大学（深圳）举行。作为APEC历史上首次面向青年学者搭建的多边高端对话平台，本届论坛汇聚13个APEC经济体代表，围绕“塑造发展新动能：青年、创新、可持续未来”主题展开交流。

本届青年学者论坛的设立，正是对“青年参与过少”议题的直接回应。APEC秘书处执行主任爱德华多·佩德罗萨表示，APEC合作如今更需要倾听青年声音，青年学者是联结学术、产业与政策的重要纽带。香港中文大学（深圳）公共政策学院院长郑永年也指出，亚太要实现长远发展，必须依靠最具活力、最具创造力、最敢于突破的青年群体。

深圳的变革与气质，正是它拿下这届论坛的原因。郑永年表示：“深圳平均年龄仅30多岁，作为移民城市，平等、包容、无等级壁垒、无地域偏见，这是创新最宝贵的土壤。” 深圳与APEC形成鲜明的双向赋能关系，深圳以创新活力为APEC注入动力，APEC则为深圳全面国际化打开重要窗口。

本届论坛上，AI议题成为焦点。与会嘉宾达成共识：人工智能已从技术热点转变为产业基础设施与核心治理议题。同时郑永年持续呼吁将青年学者论坛机制化，使其成为APEC的常态化平台。

文、图｜记者 沈婷婷
译｜徐芷晴
英文审校｜肖凯欣