Global Youth Gather in China to Explore AI-Driven Solutions
Wuhan (ANTARA) - Malaysian postgraduate student Chew Sien Ping is accustomed to exploring beyond the field of medicine. For her, artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a tool, but a fast track that can simplify complexity and unlock new possibilities.
“I work on interdisciplinary projects involving medicine and engineering. AI helps me integrate information from different fields and perspectives quickly,” said Chew, who is researching molecular imaging for complex eye diseases and visual brain-computer interfaces at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Chew was among more than 500 participants from United Nations bodies, international youth organisations, and over 120 countries and regions attending the World Youth Development Forum 2026, held this week in Wuhan, the capital of central China’s Hubei Province.
Forum participants engaged in lively discussions on how AI is transforming research, entrepreneurship, education, and social development.
During the forum’s Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development Programs, organisers selected more than 170 youth development projects from over 70 countries and regions. The initiatives were grouped into eight categories, including “AI Plus”.
Among the most talked-about innovators was Brazilian economist Felipe Bailez, whose team developed Palver Intelligence, an AI-based platform designed to monitor and analyse information flows across social media and traditional media.
“We monitor the entire information ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now renamed X), YouTube, WhatsApp, as well as television and radio,” Bailez said. “With this data and AI, we can identify disinformation or fake news, and then help companies and governments in Brazil navigate this very confusing ecosystem.”
While some participants focused on cutting-edge innovation, others highlighted AI’s potential to narrow long-standing development gaps.
“With data resources and AI capabilities, many things that once seemed impossible or required enormous resources are now achievable,” said Gao Yongkai, a postgraduate student from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou).
Gao’s team established an AI learning corner inside a village bookstore in Guangzhou, the capital of southern China’s Guangdong Province, which has benefited more than 3,500 residents.
The corner offers free AI tutoring in writing, spoken English training, and science education, while encouraging students to use AI tools to document and promote local culture.
In his address to the forum, senior Chinese youth official A Dong described young people as the generation best positioned to shape the future of AI.
“We hope young people from all countries can work together to launch more impactful development projects, bridge development gaps, promote more inclusive economic globalisation, and build a world of shared prosperity,” he added.