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The Yidan Prize Summit 2025: A Global Educational Collaboration

The Yidan Prize Foundation, a global philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong, successfully convened over 500 educators, youth, and NGO leaders from over 50 countries at its annual Yidan Prize Summit. This year, the event's theme, "Education at the Crossroads: Co-Creating Pathways to a Better Future," aimed at recognizing the importance of collaboration in addressing educational challenges around the world.

The summit commenced with a moment of silence dedicated to the victims of the devastating fire in Tchaj Pcho, a reminder of the shared commitment to humanitarian efforts and the value of life in every educational endeavor. Key participants included representatives from various sectors including public, private, and philanthropies, who engaged in ongoing dialogues focusing on educational advancements.

Sessions and Discussions

The first day of the summit tackled critical issues such as maintaining humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Educational technology was explored through the lens of both opportunities and challenges it presents to teachers and learners. Renowned speakers such as Professor Ju-Ho Lee, former acting president and minister of education in South Korea, and Dr. Fengchun Miao, the head of UNESCO's AI and the Future of Education division, shared valuable insights that sparked vigorous discussions among attendees.

Conversations also targeted how effective synergies and collaborations can drive systematic changes in education. Professor Yongxin Zhu, a pioneer of new educational initiatives, enlightened the audience about the innovative strategies shaping learning environments.

Moreover, the discourse highlighted the importance of leadership at all levels in the educational sector, underlining that effective change begins with committed and visionary individuals.

Personal Stories of Change

The second day featured a line-up of inspiring narratives shared by three laureates of the Yidan Prize: Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Professor Usha Goswami, and Angeline Murimirwa. Their journeys and pivotal moments in transforming education resonated well with attendees, alongside young leaders like Yvette Kong and Anna Yao, creating a space for mentorship and motivation.

The theme of transformation echoed throughout the summit, showcasing how individuals and communities can impact educational landscapes through persistent effort and resilience.

Hong Kong’s Future as an Educational Hub

One of the significant forums during the summit, co-hosted with Our Hong Kong Foundation, involved a discussion titled “From Global Opportunities to Local Action: Charting Hong Kong's Path Forward as an International Education Hub.” This session welcomed international experts from the Yidan Prize community who shared innovative strategies for promoting intercultural collaboration and advancements in education.

Dr. Jane Lee, president of the Our Hong Kong Foundation, and Bruce Au, secretary-general of the Yidan Prize Foundation, opened the session by emphasizing the rich potential of Hong Kong as a vibrant educational space that fosters cross-border learning and innovation.

Celebrating Change-Makers

On December 6th, the summit concluded with the official awarding of the Yidan Prize 2025 medals to its laureates, marking a celebration of their contributions and successes within the educational sphere. Professor Uri Wilensky, recognized for his work in educational research, presented his vision for democratizing computer thinking, defining it as a crucial literacy for all students across the globe. Additionally, Mamadou Amadou Ly, honored for his educational development efforts, shared how multilingual education unlocks potential and fosters cultural preservation.

About the Yidan Prize Foundation

The Yidan Prize Foundation is dedicated to creating a better world through education. The foundation awards the Yidan Prize, recognized as one of the highest honors in education, to individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to educational theory and practice. Comprised of two distinct categories that function harmoniously—the Yidan Prize for Education Research and the Yidan Prize for Education Development—the awards carry a project fund of 15 million Hong Kong dollars, which supports the laureates' ongoing work. For additional details, visit yidanprize.org or connect through their social media platforms.