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The Yidan Prize Summit 2025: A Gathering of Changemakers in Education

The Yidan Prize Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong, organized its flagship event, the Yidan Prize Summit 2025, gathering an impressive ensemble of over 500 educators, youth advocates, and NGO leaders from more than 50 countries. This annual summit, themed "Education at a Crossroads: Co-creating Paths Forward for a Brighter Future," took place over two impactful days, during which the participants engaged in discussions aimed at reshaping the educational landscape.

At the beginning of the event, attendees observed a powerful moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic Tai Po fire, forging a deep sense of community within the educational sphere worldwide.

During the summit, notable speakers, including Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize, expressed the foundation's core mission: fostering a global learning community that thrives on cooperation and shared insights. Dr. Yidan emphasized the importance of collective efforts, stating, "What we can achieve together far outweighs anything we each do alone."

Key Themes and Discussions

The inaugural day of the summit centered on pressing themes in education, focusing on critical topics like:

• - Staying Human in the Age of AI: Panelists discussed the balance between technological advancement and the human touch in education.
• - Opportunities and Challenges in EdTech: Experts examined the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology and its implications for teaching and learning.
• - Synergy and Collaboration: The discussions highlighted how collaboration can drive and sustain meaningful change in educational practices.
• - Cultivating Leadership: The importance of nurturing leadership skills at all levels of education was another focal point.

Distinguished speakers included Professor Ju-Ho Lee, who served as the former Minister for Education of South Korea, and Dr. Fengchun Miao from UNESCO, who shared insights on Artificial Intelligence's role in shaping the future of education.

Inspirational Stories Through Dialogue

As the second day unfolded, attendees were inspired by the powerful narratives of Yidan Prize laureates who shared their journeys toward becoming influential changemakers in education. Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Professor Usha Goswami, and Angeline Murimirwa, guided by Olympian turned educator Yvette Kong and youth leader Anna Yao, recounted their transformative experiences, emphasizing the critical impact of their work in educational reform.

In parallel to the summit, the Yidan Prize Foundation hosted a series of collaborative events, including an insight forum titled "From Global Opportunities to Local Action: Charting Hong Kong's Way Forward as an International Education Hub." This event included influential voices from the educational sector, discussing Hong Kong’s potential to lead in cross-cultural collaboration and innovation in education.

Recognition of Changemakers

On December 6, the 2025 Yidan Prize laureates received their prestigious awards, marking a significant celebration of their contributions to education. Professor Uri Wilensky, recognized for his work in democratizing computational thinking, shared his vision of making it a fundamental literacy for learners worldwide. Meanwhile, Mamadou Amadou Ly, 2025 Yidan Prize Laureate for Education Development, demonstrated how multilingual education can preserve cultural heritage while unlocking potential and fostering equity.

Conclusion

The Yidan Prize Summit 2025 served as a pivotal moment for the global education community, fortifying collaborations and inspiring action towards innovative solutions in education. By connecting changemakers and sharing best practices, the summit underscored the necessity of working together to build a brighter future through education. The experiences and insights gained through this gathering are a testament to the drive and commitment within the education sector to make a lasting impact on learners worldwide.

For more information about the Yidan Prize Foundation and its initiatives, visit yidanprize.org.