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Yidan Prize Foundation's Annual Summit 2025: Bridging Global Knowledge and Local Expertise

The Yidan Prize Foundation, an esteemed international philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong, held its flagship summit this year, drawing attendance from over 500 educators, youth activists, and leaders from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across more than 50 countries. This significant event emphasized the critical role of education in shaping a better future, fostering dialogues that connected global knowledge to local practices.

Remembering Lives Lost

Before delving into the agenda, the summit commenced with a moving moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Tai Po fire incident, highlighting the profound interconnectedness of the educational community. Participants included a diverse mix of local and international stakeholders from public, private, and philanthropic sectors, who engaged in enriching discussions centered on education’s transformative power.

The 2025 Summit's Key Themes

The theme for this year’s summit, "Education at the Crossroads: Charting Our Path Towards a Brighter Future Together," underscored the collective urgency to enhance educational methodologies in our increasingly complex world. Over two days, the summit featured inspiring talks and discussions amongst more than 200 educators and 100 youth leaders, alongside representatives from over 40 foundations and 30 universities.

Leading Voices in Education

Renowned speakers included Professor Ju-Ho Lee, the former Minister of Education of South Korea, Dr. Fengchun Miao, an advocate for AI in education from UNESCO, and Andreas Schleicher of the OECD. These experts shared insights on pressing questions such as humanity in the age of AI, identifying challenges and opportunities in educational technology, and the importance of collaborative leadership.

Panel Discussions
Among the most impactful sessions was a panel led by Yvette Kong and Anna Yao, featuring Yidan Prize laureates Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Professor Usha Goswami, and Angeline Murimirwa. Each shared their individual journeys and transformative experiences that propelled them towards becoming change-makers in global education.

A Platform for Change

The summit didn’t just only serve as a forum for discussion but also highlighted the importance of fostering change through community collaboration. Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize, expressed the foundation's commitment to building a learning community that learns from shared experiences. He stated, "What we accomplish together far exceeds the sum of individual efforts. We can chart a path towards a better future as a global learning community."

Local Actions Driven by Global Insights

Following the summit, the foundation launched a series of knowledge exchange events in collaboration with local partners such as the Our Hong Kong Foundation. The forum, titled “From Global Opportunities to Local Action: Charting Hong Kong’s Way Forward as an International Education Hub,” brought together international experts from the Yidan community who discussed strategies for promoting intercultural collaboration and innovation in education.

Honoring the Laureates

On December 6, 2025, the Yidan Prize laureates received their medals in a ceremony that recognized their outstanding contributions to education. Among them, Professor Uri Wilensky was awarded for his work in educational research, advocating for the democratization of computer thinking as a fundamental skill, while Mamadou Amadou Ly was recognized for his efforts in multilingual education in West Africa, showcasing how education can empower communities and preserve cultures.

Conclusion

The Yidan Prize Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in connecting innovators and changemakers in education. By uniting voices from around the globe, the foundation strives to harness local insights and drive meaningful changes in education systems worldwide. This annual summit not only serves as a testament to the commitment of individuals invested in educational advancements but also sets the stage for future collaboration aimed at building a brighter, more equitable future for all.

For further details, visit yidanprize.org or follow the foundation on social media.