Youth Leaders Champion Green Energy Initiatives in Asia-Pacific at Shenzhen Event

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

On August 21, 2026, Shenzhen, located in South China's Guangdong Province, hosted the impactful event titled "Asia-Pacific Youth Gathering: Building a Shared Future Through Energy." This gathering marked an essential opportunity for youth leaders from 13 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific to converge and discuss strategies centered around green energy and low-carbon initiatives. Co-organized by the China International Publishing Center, CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, and CSG Digital Media Technology, this event also garnered support from prominent partners, including the Shenzhen Youth Federation and the APEC Sustainable Energy Center.

The gathering attracted over 60 participants, including experts, scholars, young delegates, and journalists, all united under the shared goal of revolutionizing the energy landscape in their respective regions. The program featured a series of insightful visits, including to the Chunhui Substation, a trailblazer as the country’s first zero-carbon smart educational substation. Attendees also explored the HQB Museum, which provided a comprehensive overview of Shenzhen’s green energy strategies and the city's transformation in industry.

A Platform for Storytelling and Exchange

During the event, various interactive sessions were held, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and experiences. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions that emphasized three primary themes: the transition to green and low-carbon energy, fostering regional connectivity, and exploring the synergy between electricity and computing power. Youth representatives took the opportunity to leverage their collective insights and contributions towards a collaborative future.

Chhoeun Raksmey, who serves as the director of the Department of Portable Water Policies at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation in Cambodia, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among governments, private enterprises, research institutions, and community stakeholders. He emphasized that only through joint efforts can a successful transition to sustainable energy be realized.

In a powerful demonstration of collaboration, Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center associated with the Belt and Road Initiative, shared inspiring grassroots initiatives. He highlighted the success of a Thai woman who, with assistance from the Chinese Consulate General in Khon Kaen, was able to operate a hair salon and achieve financial independence. Furthermore, he mentioned an agricultural collaboration in Guangxi where Thai agricultural experts worked alongside villagers to overcome challenges in pomelo cultivation. "This embodies what cooperation truly means, sharing our best practices to address developmental hurdles together," he articulated.

Innovations in Green Energy and Digital Infrastructure

Macao's Alex Choi, co-founder and executive director of MTEL Telecommunications, underscored the critical role of digital infrastructure and youth-driven innovations in facilitating industrial advancements. Additionally, Fan Siran from the CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau presented insights into the anticipated green power outlook for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, projecting that nearly 60 percent of the region’s electricity supply will stem from renewable sources by 2030.

The event also tackled vital discussions surrounding cross-border energy connections, specifically highlighting the China-Laos 500 kV interconnection project. This initiative is viewed as a landmark achievement enabling a remarkable increase in power exchange capacity from 50,000 kilowatts to 1.5 million kilowatts, resulting in the annual delivery of 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy. Yang Bo from CSG Lancang-Mekong International emphasized that while grid connectivity is vital, the real challenge lies in enabling a free-flowing electricity market.

Lastly, the synergy between computing and electricity took center stage, with insights from Wang Hai, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He advocated for a transition towards a bi-directional relationship between electricity supply and computing demands. Zhang Qian of CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau echoed this sentiment, proposing the establishment of an AI-plus-energy innovation hub in the Greater Bay Area, harnessing its compelling mix of technology, application scenarios, and human talent for the benefit of the entire Asia-Pacific region. This gathering not only highlighted youth engagement in sustainable energy but also paved the way for collaborative efforts toward a greener future across the Asia-Pacific.