Youth voices drive Asia Pacific green energy ties at Shenzhen gathering

Youth leaders from 13 countries and regions took center stage in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, on Aug 21, as over 60 experts, scholars, young delegates and journalists gathered for the "Asia‑Pacific Youth Gathering: Building a Shared Future Through Energy" event.

During the event, youth representatives visited the 110 kV Chunhui Substation — the country's first zero-carbon smart educational substation — and the HQB Museum, gaining on-site insights into Shenzhen's green energy layout and industrial transformation.

The event featured story-sharing sessions and roundtable discussions, focusing on green and low-carbon transition, regional connectivity, and the coordinated development of electricity and computing power to tap into youth wisdom for the Asia‑Pacific's common development.

Chhoeun Raksmey, director of the Department of Portable Water Policies at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Cambodia, said during a story-sharing session that the green and low-carbon transition requires coordinated efforts from governments, private enterprises, research institutions and communities.

Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, cited grassroots success stories: a Thai woman achieving financial independence with help from the Chinese Consulate General in Khon Kaen to run a hair salon, and Thai agricultural experts partnering with villagers in Du'an, Guangxi, to solve pomelo growing challenges.

"This is what cooperation means to me — sharing our best experiences to jointly solve developmental problems," he said.