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Yidan Prize Foundation's Annual Summit: A Convergence of Global and Local Educational Insights

On December 6, 2025, the Yidan Prize Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong, hosted its annual summit, uniting over 500 individuals from across 50 countries. This vast gathering consisted of educators, youth, and leaders from various NGOs, all committed to shaping the future of education on a global scale while respecting regional contexts.

To honor the memory of those lost in the Tai Po fire tragedy, participants began the summit with a moment of silence. The event was not only a tribute but also a platform for invaluable dialogues about education. Local and international representatives from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors joined to exchange ideas, ensuring that the insights shared were both comprehensive and actionable.

The summit's theme, "Education at a Crossroads: Charting Paths for a Better Future," highlighted the pressing issues educators face today. Critical discussions centered around maintaining humanity in the age of artificial intelligence, identifying opportunities and challenges within educational technologies, fostering collaboration for sustained change, and cultivating leadership at all levels.

Prominent speakers included Dr. Charles Chen Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize, who emphasized the foundation's commitment to connecting people within a learning community. He stated, "We work knowing that what we can achieve together far exceeds what we can do alone. Together, we carve paths toward a better future for the global educational community."

Throughout the summit, panels moderated by youth leaders featured laureates such as Dr. Rukmini Banerji and Professor Usha Goswami, who shared their pivotal experiences as educators and visionaries. This intergenerational exchange proved crucial in informing emerging educators, exemplified through discussions led by Yvette Kong and Anna Yao, inspiring the youth to take action.

Additionally, the summit included a series of side events facilitated by partners including the Hong Kong Foundation Exchange and UNHCR, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The Insight Forum on "From Global Opportunities to Local Action: Charting Hong Kong's Way Forward as an International Education Hub" attracted experts who showcased the city's educational potential and encouraged intercultural cooperation.

As the summit concluded, accolades were bestowed on the 2025 Yidan Prize laureates during a formal ceremony. Professor Uri Wilensky, awarded for his research contributions, shared his vision of democratizing computational thinking as a core competency rather than a niche skill. The Education Development Prize went to Mamadou Amadou Ly, recognized for his work in West Africa, which champions multilingual education as a means to unlock potential and forge greater equality.

The Yidan Prize stands as the foremost international accolade in education, awarded to individuals or teams making significant contributions. The prizes reflect a commitment to impactful educational change, with winners receiving a project fund of 15 million HKD and a gold medal.

In conclusion, the 2025 Yidan Prize Summit exemplified a powerful convergence of ideas, fostering networks and innovations that promise to empower the education sector globally. The event not only recognized the efforts of individuals in reshaping education but also challenged participants to envision a future where education serves as a cornerstone for societal progress.

For more information on the Yidan Prize Foundation, visit yidanprize.org or follow them on social platforms. Together, let us shape a better tomorrow through education.