The ILO joins efforts with youth leaders to shape the future world of work in the era of technological innovation

Suzhou (ILO News) – The 2025 World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) was held in Suzhou from 15 to 17 July, themed with ‘Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development’. This annual global forum is hosted by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), the Organizing Committee of the WYDF and the United Nations System in China. The ILO is the UN supporting partner of the Forum. A total of 500 participants, including youth affairs ministers, heads of youth organizations and youth leaders from over 100 countries and 17 international organizations attended the WYDF.

At the opening ceremony of the WYDF, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo delivered a video opening speech. He mentioned that ensuring the access to decent jobs and economic opportunities for 1.2 billion young people in the world is an urgent priority. The ILO is committed to youth empowerment in collaboration with partners by enhancing their digital literacy, skills for the green transition and Artificial Intelligence (AI) proficiency as well as supporting young participation in decision-making. Mr. Houngbo expressed the appreciation to the long-standing and fruitful cooperation with ACYF and looked forward to expanded partnerships in China and beyond.

The ILO’s mission is clear: to ensure that young people have access to decent work, quality skills, and a voice in shaping their futures.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO

On 16 July, the Thematic Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Science & Technology Innovation of the WYDF was held in Suzhou. Around 150 participants from 64 countries and 7 international organizations participated in the Thematic Forum.

In the opening remarks, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia Changhee Lee pointed out that technology advancement and innovations are profoundly reshaping economies, societies, and labour markets at an unprecedented pace. In particular, AI has not only brought immense development opportunities but also raised concerns about job losses and exacerbated inequality. The ILO is firmly committed to the human-centred development which emphasizes the need to ensure that scientific and technological progress benefits all - especially young people, who are the drivers of innovation and the future of the world. Through the joint initiative ‘Youth Digital Leadership Programme’, the ILO works with AYCF to actively promote youth entrepreneurship and technological innovation, stimulating youth creativity to generate employment, enhance productivity, and advance the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ILO will stand with you, as your partner, your advocate, and your ally, committed to ensuring that our new age becomes an era of opportunity, dignity, shared prosperity and decent work for all.

Changhee Lee, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia

Since its inauguration in 2022, the WYDF has been held for four consecutive years as a key platform for youth worldwide to contribute to global development through collaborations. As a UN supporting partner, the ILO provided inputs for the WYDF key documents and co-organized initiatives and events with AYCF in areas of employment and entrepreneurship, digital development, and scientific and technological innovation to empower young people around the world.