Vision for a better community is only as valuable as it is actionable. Global Youth Leaders Summit is one of its kind annual international youth leader conference which gather youth leaders around the world to present their community projects, share their vision and action plans, and discuss how to join hands to act on the world’s pressing challenges through undertaking cross-border initiatives together. The Summit, packed with global leader lectures, workshops and training sessions, themes on how youth leaders can translate their vision into action, bringing positive change in society, aligns the Global Youth Leaders Seed Project Fund that gives participants the opportunities to actualise their visions and ideas into action and projects.
Global Youth Leaders Summit 2020: Transforming Crisis into Re-connection
PolyU (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) organised the "Global Youth Leaders Summit 2020" on 24 October 2020. The Summit had the overarching theme of "Transforming Crisis into Re-connection". An opening Keynote and Panel session attracted an audience of over 350 participants from over 10 countries and regions, including Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Japan, Mainland China, Rwanda, South Korea, Sweden, Tanzania, the US and the UK, etc, and was followed by two interactive sessions: a 24-hour “Global Re-connection Hackathon” and a “Global Reflection Workshop”, which were attended by 80 students nominated by over 10 institutions, who displayed innovation and creativity in their responses to the current pressing global challenges.
This is the fourth year PolyU has organised the Summit. Because of COVID-19, this year the Summit had to go online. The opening presentations and panel discussion revolved around the central theme of “A New Global Landscape”. Three world-renowned speakers and practitioners shared their work and experience on social betterment, and the impact of their work on the community, especially in the context of the challenges presented by COVID-19. They were Dato Dr Kim Tan, Founder and Chairman of SpringHill Management Limited; Ms Jennifer Neelsen, Global Response Director on COVID-19 of World Vision International; and Mr Jeffrey Andrews, the first ethnic minority registered social worker in Hong Kong, from Christian Action. Moderating the panel was our own Dr. Angelina Yuen, former Vice-President of Student and Global Affairs at PolyU.
The panel discussion was followed by the “Global Re-connection Hackathon” and the “Global Reflection Workshop”. The 24-hour Hackathon had the primary objective of fostering international collaboration and understanding. Students from four universities in different parts of the world and different time zones worked together in cross-institution teams despite physical boundaries. They collaborated to create a short video proposal on a product or a service which would address one of two major challenges brought about by the global health crisis – education and social distancing.
The proposals were judged by a global panel of judges from Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa and the US based on the potential impacts, originality and viability of their ideas. The championship in the “Education” track was won by a cross-institutional team of students from PolyU and the University of Maryland in the US, with their “Uni-therapy” platform that connects students, and helps sustain their mental health and alleviate stress. The champion in the “Social Distancing” track was won by “Friend-in-a-box”, proposed by students from PolyU and the University of Pretoria in South Africa, connecting children from different cultures through an innovative boxset of games and crafts and stories.
The “People’s Choice Award”, voted for by the participants themselves, went to the “Kiddo Workout App”, proposed by students from PolyU and the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia, which connects children while training them to exercise via a workout app powered by computer vision and machine learning. The Hackathon also included inspiration sessions spaced over the 24 hours, hosted by various exceptional speakers from different continents.
In the “Global Reflection Workshop”, students were guided to complete a preparation social research study investigating the impact of COVID-19 in their own context. They were facilitated to reflect on their experience under the pandemic, and to cultivate empathy and understanding across borders. The students also designed collaborative empathy games for the pandemic which will be prototyped online for public experience.
The Opening Session brought three renowned practitioners and speakers, and was attended by over 350 participants from 10 countries and regions.
The “Global Re-connection Hackathon” invited passionate speakers to encourage the young generations to re-connect and work together with the new opportunities.
PolyU students participating in the “Global Re-connection Hackathon” worked overnight on campus for their video proposal in tackling major COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU and one of the judges in the “Global Re-connection Hackathon”, found the students’ proposals very impressive.
During the “Global Reflection Workshop”, Burak Yorulmaz of KOC University shared his social research studies on how the pandemic impacted the young generations in rural and urban Turkey.
Global Youth Leaders Summit 2019: Transforming VISION into ACTION through SOCIAL INNOVATION
"Global Youth Leaders Summit 2019: Transforming VISION into ACTION through SOCIAL INNOVATION" was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong (13-18 July 2019). Vision for a better community is only as valuable as it is actionable and innovative. The Summit aims to provide a unique platform for youth leaders around the world to exchange experience and ideas, and empower them to realise their vision for a better community. Last year, the Summit attracted over 120 youth leaders from 30 countries and regions. Through inspiring keynotes from world-renowned speakers, workshops, and training sessions, the youth leaders generated cross-border projects during the Summit and actualising them through international partnerships, and transforming their VISION into ACTION.
Entering its third year, the Summit focused on inspiring and facilitating youth leaders around the world to come up with innovative and collaborative ways to meet societal needs in a global context. Participants participated in a series of keynote lectures, workshops and training sessions, discussions, and site visits, where they interacted and collaborated with other youth leaders from around the world, and generated ideas and proposals to resolve current global and social challenges. Participants presented their proposals in a final presentation competition; where outstanding proposals will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas after the Summit.
Distinguishing Features of the Summit:
- Global Connection and Ideas
The Summit had gathered over 100 youth leaders who are committed to the betterment of the global community from all over the world to share their experience and ideas for addressing social challenges.
- Global Leader Lectures
Youth leaders had heard eminent global leaders’ keynote lectures and youth social innovators on how to realise their vision.
- Social Innovation Training Sessions and Workshops
The Summit invited experienced community leaders, practitioners, and social innovators to guide and lead youth leaders in transforming their vision into action in a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary setting
Sub-themes:
- Poverty alleviation
- Quality education for all
- Sustainable community
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Po Chung, SBS, OBE, JP.
Co-founder, DHL International
Mr Bunker Roy
Founder and Director, The Barefoot College Dato
Dr Kim Tan
Founder Chairman, SpringHill Management Ltd (UK)
Ms Yuha Jin
Founder and CEO, Tella
Ms Adepeju Jaiyeoba
Founder, Brown Button Foundation and Mothers Delivery Kit
Mr Lawrence Lui
Founder and CEO, Longevity Design House
Professor Po Chung, SBS, OBE, JP.
Co-founder
DHL International
Mr. Bunker Roy
Founder and Director
The Barefoot College
Dr. Kim Tan
Ms Yuha Jin
Ms Adepeju Jaiyeoba
Mr Lawrence Lui
Programme Rundown (Hong Kong Session):
- 13th July 2019 @ V322, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, HKPolyU
Time | Event |
09:00 |
Registration |
09:30 |
Opening Ceremony |
10:00 |
Keynote Speech I |
11:30 |
Keynote Speech II |
12:45 |
Welcome Lunch (For Invited Participants Only) |
14:00 |
Keynote Speech III |
15:30 |
Young Social Innovators’ Open Forum |
17:00 |
Mentoring Session (For Invited Participants Only) |
- 14th July 2019 @ Jockey Club Innovation Tower, HKPolyU (For Invited Participants Only)
Time | Event |
09:30 |
GEAR UP!Parallel Thematic Workshops on Creative Design Thinking |
12:30 |
Lunch |
14:00 |
BE INSPIRED TO ACT!Parallel Thematic Workshops on Social Innovation and Community Engagement along Silk Road |
17:00 |
Mentoring Session |
- 15th and 16th July 2019 (For Invited Participants Only)
Date | Event |
15 July |
SEE IT IN HONG KONG! |
16 July |
Presentation / Prototype and Competition Preparation |
- 17th July 2019 @ Jockey Club Innovation Tower, HKPolyU
Time | Event |
09:30 | Registration |
10:00 |
Global Youth Leaders Competition |
12:45 |
Lunch(For Invited Participants Only) |
14:30 |
Leaders’ Dialogue: The Way Ahead to ACTION |
16:00 |
Global Youth Leaders Competition Awards Ceremony |
17:00 |
Closing Dinner (For Invited Participants Only) |
- 18th July 2019 (For Invited Participants Only)
Time | Event |
Morning |
Cultural Visit |
Global Youth Leaders Summit 2018: Transforming VISION into ACTION
“Global Youth Leaders Summit 2018: Transforming VISION into ACTION” was organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Global Youth Leadership Institute, Peking University, Bureau of Beijing Municipal Leading Group of Human Resources, and Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform and co-organised by Shougang Group Ltd. The event was being held in Hong Kong (13-15 July 2018) and Beijing (16-21 July 2018).
Aims of the Summit:
- To provide a unique platform for youth leaders around the world to exchange experience and ideas, and empower them to possess the tools needed to realize their vision for a better community
- To foster a global network for the youth leaders to pursue cross-border community projects with actionable roadmaps to address some of the world's pressing issues
Sub-themes:
- Poverty alleviation
- Quality education for all
- Sustainable community
Distinguishing Features of the Summit:
- Global Connection and Ideas: This event will gather youth leaders from over 30 countries on seven continents to present and share their action plans and projects for addressing social challenges
- Global Leader Lectures: Youth leaders will be greatly inspired by our eminent global leaders’ keynote lectures
- Workshops and Trainings: The Summit invites experienced community leaders and practitioners to guide and lead youth leaders in realizing their vision
- Global Youth Leaders Network: A network will be launched and serve as the platform for the youth leaders to continue their discussion and community engagement after the Summit, including looking for project teams and partners, and securing resources and funding. Mentorship and resources will be provided after the Summit for selected cross-border proposals
- Student Presentations at the Summit: Student leaders from across the world will present their community projects focusing on the three sub-themes
Summit's Speakers:
Mrs Vicky Colbert
Founder and Director, Fundacion Escuela Nueva Yidan Prize for Education Development Inaugural Laureate
Professor Mohammed Yunus
2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder, Grameen Bank Dhaka, Bangladesh Chairman, Yunus Centre
Professor John Thwaites
Professorial Fellow, Monash University
Co-chair, Leadership Council, United Nation's Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
Chairman, Monash Sustainability Institute and ClimateWorks Australia
Mrs Vicky Colbert
Professor Mohammed Yunus
Professor John Thwaites
Programme Rundown (Hong Kong Session)
- 13th July 2018 @ Senate Room M1603, Core M, Li Ka Shing Tower, HKPolyU
Time | Event |
10:00 |
Registration |
10:30 |
Opening Speech |
10:55 |
Souvenir Presentation & Photo-taking |
11:00 |
Keynotes |
12:00 |
Welcome Lunch |
14:00 |
Panel Session |
15:30 |
Souvenir Presentation & Photo-taking |
15:30 |
Closing, Campus Tour and Group Interactions |
15:45 |
Dinner |
- 14th July 2018 @ See It in Hong Kong: Local Community Engagement Activities and Cultural Visits
Time | Event | |
09:00 |
Registration and Set off |
|
09:30 |
Group A |
Group B |
09:00 |
Sham Shui Po Thematic Tour on Poverty alleviation |
Wan Chai Thematic Tour on Sustainable Community |
12:45 |
Lunch at a Local Social Entreprise and Introduction |
|
14:00 |
On-bus Tour |
|
The Peak and Hong Kong |
||
PMQ / Tai Kwun: Introduction on Local Modern Youth Arts and Culture |
Programme Rundown (Beijing Session)
- 16 July 2018 @ Shougang Park
Time | Event |
09:00 |
Registration |
09:30 |
Opening Ceremony |
10:30 |
Keynote Speech I "Opening Cooperation: Transformation and Upgrade" |
11:00 |
Keynote Speech II "Quality Education for All" |
14:00 |
Keynote Speech III "Building Sustaibable Communities" |
15:50 |
Panel Discussion "Journey from VISION to ACTION" |
19:00 |
Mentoring Session "Get to Know Your Global Friends" |
- 17 July 2018 @ Shougang Park
Time | Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09:00 |
Registration |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09:30 |
Gear Up! Parallel Thematic Workshops |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 |
Share Your Experience "Students' Project Presentations"
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19:00 |
Mentoring Session "SYNERGIZE ALL YOU’VE GOT: PASSION, VISION, SKILLS, AND NETWORK" |
- 18th July 2018 @ See It in Beijing: Community Engagement Projects
Time | Event | |
09:00 |
Registration and Set off |
|
09:15 |
Group A |
Group B |
09:00 |
Shougang Park Tour and Exchange Discussion |
Thematic Community Engagement Project Visits |
14:00 |
Thematic Community Engagement Project Visits |
Shougang Park Tour and Exchange Discussion |
19:30 |
Mentoring Session "PLAN YOUR CROSS-BORDER PROPOSAL" |
- 19th July 2018 @ Shougang Park
Time | Event |
09:00 |
Registration |
09:30 |
Keynote Speech IV "Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Carbon Emission" |
11:30 |
Souvenir Presentation & Photo-taking |
14:00 |
Cross-border Proposal Preparation |
- 20th July 2018 @ Shougang Park
Time | Event |
09:00 |
Registration |
09:30 |
Get Ready to Act "Parallel Students' Presentation Sessions: Cross-border Proposals from the Summit" |
14:00 |
Leaders' Dialogue "The Way Ahead: From VISION to ACTION" |
15:30 |
Closing Ceremony |
17:30 |
Cultural Dinner |
Global Youth Leaders Summit 2017: Let's Make the World a Better Place
“Global Youth Leaders Summit 2017: Let's Make the World a Better Place” is one of its kind international youth leader conference held on 28-29 June 2017, organised by the Global Youth Leadership Institute of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Under the theme of “Let’s Make the World a Better Place”, the Summit featured an insightful lecture on “Creating IN and OUT Values Through Entrepreneurial Innovations” by Professor Hau L. Lee, the Thoma Professor of Operations, Information, and Technology of Stanford Graduate School of Business. As a leading expert in global supply chains, Professor Lee expounded in the lecture on how values created through entrepreneurial innovations can be a powerful means to support economic development in developing economies.
The Summit is a ground-breaking student leader international conference, bringing together student leaders worldwide to debate and discuss how our young leaders, inspired by the spirit of social entrepreneurship, can make a difference in the world. The diversity of student presenters from 22 universities in 13 countries made the event truly mind-opening for all student leaders with exciting ideas and projects of community engagement for addressing some of the world’s grand challenges. The event covered 350 audience on 28 June 2017.
The organization of the Summit is emblematic of the efforts of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in nurturing student leadership and the value placed by PolyU on global youth leadership education. Rooted in the value, the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI), the organizer of the Summit, has been established at PolyU. The Institute is underpinned by a SERVE model of leadership philosophy, comprised of five elements: Social responsibility, Excellence, Reflection, Vision, and Ethics.
The Summit featured:
- Social Entrepreneurship Keynote Lecture by Professor Hau Lee, the Thoma Professor of Operations, Information, and Technology of Stanford Graduate School of Business. A leading expert in global supply chains, Professor Lee will expound in the lecture on how values created through entrepreneurial innovations can be a powerful means to support economic development in developing economies.
- Student Leader Presentations on social entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, and sustainable cities and communities.
- Visit to Social Enterprises to gain hands-on insights on social entrepreneurship.
- Roundtable Discussion to chart the future of young leaders from across the world coming together to make positive social change.
Summit Booklet:
https://issuu.com/gyli2015/docs/gyli_summit_booklet_final_output
Programme Rundown:
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 Morning Session (Hotel ICON, Hunghom)
Time | Programme | Video |
09:00 |
Opening Speech |
|
09:10 |
Creating IN and OUT Values Through Entrepreneurial Innovations |
|
10:50 |
Launch Ceremony of the Global Youth Leadership Institute
Students' Presentation Session I |
|
11:20 |
WEDO Global |
|
11:50 |
Restart Network - The World's First Crowdsourced Technology School |
|
12:05 |
Closing the Gap: Exposing Young Academic to Social Entrepreneurship |
|
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 Afternoon Session (3/F JC Innovation Tower, PolyU)
- Students' Presentation (Parallel) Session II: Poverty Alleviation
Time | Programme | Video |
14:00 - 14:50 |
From Children to Older People: |
|
An Educational Blog in Albania |
||
Building Workforce to Spread STEM & |
||
1450 - 1550 |
Spendennavi - "Navigation System for Donations" |
|
Make A Change Africa Scholarship Initiative |
||
The Urban Refuge |
||
Connect Beyond Dream |
||
16:10 - 17:00 |
PKU - NTU - YNU Social Service Project |
|
Social Programs in the University of São Paulo: |
||
Education and Poverty Alleviation |
- Students' Presentation (Parallel) Session III: Sustainable Community