On the afternoon of November 19, amid inspiring youth declarations, the Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2025 officially kicked off in Haidian, Beijing, with 150 young people from various sectors representing more than 40 countries in attendance.
As an important event of the 2025 "Wisdom Haidian" Talent Week, this forum was held in Haidian for the first time. Under the theme "Decoding the Future with Young Minds", it focused on cutting-edge topics including the sci-tech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and addressing global challenges through technology and artificial intelligence for in-depth exchanges. At the event, the Global STEM Pathways Hub, jointly launched by the Haidian District and the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), was officially inaugurated and established at Zhongguancun No.1.
Global Youth Leaders Gather in Haidian
"Consensus is built through dialogue, and the future is created through cooperation." Hardly had the inspiring speeches of the guests on stage concluded when clear translations were delivered simultaneously via simultaneous interpretation headsets. This high-profile Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2025, hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and co-supported by the Haidian District Talent Work Bureau and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Haidian District, has built a communication bridge connecting government, enterprises, universities and research institutions for global young talents.
Reporters on the scene saw participants of diverse ethnic backgrounds sitting side by side, engaging in discussions from time to time and nodding in agreement. Youth leaders from 21 countries including the United States, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Italy, France and Russia gathered together with senior guests from international organizations, government agencies, universities and renowned enterprises. With their eyes fixed on cutting-edge issues, their minds collided in cross-cultural exchanges, creating a warm and focused atmosphere.
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"I came here with a sci-tech project, and also with a keen interest in traditional Chinese culture," shared a young participant from Malaysia. "Haidian boasts not only top-tier innovation resources but also an inclusive and open cultural atmosphere, where people from different backgrounds can quickly find common ground."
Bringing together global wisdom, integrating diverse cultures and sparking innovative ideas — this year's Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2025 was held in Haidian for the first time. It is not only a positive exploration for Haidian to further enhance its international atmosphere and strengthen the sense of identity and belonging of international young talents towards Haidian, but also a vivid practice to showcase to the world Haidian's unique charm as a core area of Beijing's International Science and Technology Innovation Center and a demonstration zone for youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Beijing.
Global STEM Pathways Hub Settles in Haidian
"Five, four, three, two, one!" As the participants counted down in unison, guests on stage pulled the red ribbons together, and the announcement that "the Global STEM Pathways Hub is officially launched" resounded throughout the venue, erupting in thunderous applause. This was the most ceremonial moment at the opening ceremony of the Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2025, marking the official launch of an international talent platform linking global innovation forces. The community, which carries the entrepreneurial dreams of cross-border youth, set its first base at Zhongguancun No.1, a landmark of scientific and technological innovation in Haidian.
"Our vision is to build an international talent community connecting foreign talents in China and new young arrivals, integrating online and offline services, and promoting the long-term development and in-depth integration of international youth in China," introduced Olivia, Director of the Global STEM Pathways Hub. "Our youth STEM talent support platform is not only a service platform but also a window for resource connection."
It was learned at the event that, to realize this vision, the hub will fully integrate core resources such as international talent research, youth talent training, and innovation and entrepreneurship services, so as to mobilize the enthusiasm of successful foreign young talents employed and starting businesses in China to "help newcomers with the experience of seniors", providing targeted services for foreign young sci-tech talents in China and those coming to China. On the one hand, it will offer one-stop services including policy interpretation, visa support, business incubation and resource matching to comprehensively solve the pain points of foreign talents developing in China. On the other hand, it will continuously host diverse exchange activities such as themed forums, technical salons, project roadshows and cultural experiences, enabling international youth to expand their networks through ideological collisions and enhance mutual understanding through cultural interactions, thus quickly integrating into China's innovation ecosystem.
The value of the Global STEM Pathways Hub goes far beyond that of an entrepreneurship platform. As global young sci-tech talents ignite their entrepreneurial passion and realize personal value in Haidian, they are also injecting a steady stream of international impetus into regional development — a beautiful picture of mutual pursuit.
Wisdom Gathering in Haidian, Talents Gathering for the Future
As the birthplace of Zhongguancun, Haidian has always attached great importance to youth talent development. It is learned that the Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2025 is one of the flagship events of the 2025 "Wisdom Haidian" Talent Week as well as an "invitation" extended by Haidian to young talents around the world.
The 2025 "Wisdom Haidian" Talent Week, themed "Decoding the Future with Young Minds", focuses on piloting the construction of Beijing's Demonstration Zone for Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Hosted by the Haidian District Talent Work Bureau, it has elaborately built a multi-level, wide-ranging and full-coverage activity system of "1+8+X".
"'1' refers to the launching ceremony of the first Zhongguancun Campus Recruitment Season and the 2025 Autumn Comprehensive Job Fair of Haidian District, which precisely links universities and enterprises. '8' stands for eight high-quality main events. 'X' represents a series of activities held in universities, technology parks and blocks," introduced an official from the Haidian District Talent Work Bureau. From October to December, the three-month talent gala will fully demonstrate the profound atmosphere of valuing, loving and gathering talents under the slogan "Haidian Is the Home for Talents", injecting strong talent impetus into the high-quality development of the region and jointly composing the surging tide of Haidian's innovative development.
To help international youth gain an in-depth understanding of Haidian's innovation mechanism and development momentum, the forum has specially been paired with the "International Youth Talents Tour of Haidian" activity. Delegations of international youth leaders were organized to visit iconic sites including the Yenching Academy of Peking University, Silicon Base Park in TusStar Building, the Exhibition Hall of Zhongguancun Science City (Haidian District) Planning, Zhongguancun No.1 and the AI Origin Community for special visits and exchanges.
"Relying on activities such as the 'International Youth Talents Tour of Haidian', we hope to promote the in-depth integration of overseas young talents with Haidian's industry-university-research resources, and provide solid talent support and intellectual guarantee for Haidian to gain the initiative and seize preemptive opportunities in global scientific and technological innovation competition," said an official from the Haidian District Talent Work Bureau.
From a single forum to a three-month talent week, from special visits to a full-chain service system, Haidian is building a broad innovation and entrepreneurship stage for global young talents with an open and inclusive attitude. As a participating young leader put it: "Haidian not only has fertile soil for innovation, but also the warmth and respect for talents. It will surely become the top choice for global youth to pursue their dreams for the future."
