The Global South Youth Activation Initiative, a pivotal event hosted by HICOOL in collaboration with The Ducreay Institute Limited, successfully concluded on October 18, 2025. Held during the 2025 HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Summit, the initiative gathered delegates from over 70 countries under the theme ‘Empowering Global South Youth – Innovate, Lead, Transform.’ The event culminated in the Global South Youth Activation Conference, moderated by CGTN’s Idah Waringa, which centered on transforming education into employment and ideas into enterprise. Dan Qiao, Deputy General Manager of HICOOL, expressed gratitude to Global South leaders, reaffirming the platform’s dedication to tangible youth outcomes. Dahlia A. Ducreay, President of The Ducreay Institute Limited, highlighted talent as a cornerstone for emerging economies. Keynote speakers, including Professor Shahbaz Khan of UNESCO and Xu Xiang of the China Association of Small and Medium Commercial Enterprises, addressed the dual challenges of digitalization and decarbonization in labor markets, advocating for skill development aligned with employer needs. A Leaders’ Dialogue, featuring H.E. Franck Adjagba, Ambassador of Benin to China, and Ms. Nur Evi Rahmawati of the Indonesian Embassy, explored policies and partnerships to foster equitable economic growth. The Youth Interactive Dialogue showcased regional perspectives on bridging the gap between education and employment, with participants proposing initiatives like targeted internships and cross-border skill recognition. The event underscored the critical link between sustainable development and nurturing talent, emphasizing the need for inclusive and durable growth across the Global South.
PRESS RELEASE: Global south youth activation – HICOOL × The Ducreay Institute Limited unites 70+ countries
