On September 22-23, 2024, the United Nations Summit of the Future took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together heads of state and government leaders. The Summit resulted in a historic document, the "Pact for the Future," accompanied by the "Global Digital Compact" and "Declaration for Future Generations." These documents aim to build a secure, peaceful, just, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world, addressing global challenges to benefit present and future generations. Amid unprecedented global challenges, green technology and youth empowerment are highlighted as crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for updated global cooperation reflecting current realities, as existing frameworks for peace and finance no longer suffice. He called for immediate reforms to the UN Security Council and global financial systems to better address issues like debt and sustainability in developing countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, representing President Xi Jinping, delivered a speech urging global unity to protect the planet and presenting China’s contributions to global peace, development, and security. He introduced China's initiatives, which align with global efforts to tackle challenges together.
Youth and business representatives actively participated in key sessions, including the opening ceremony, plenary meetings, interactive dialogues, and the closing session.
Collaborative Innovation: Youth and Business
Youth delegate Pavcus He joined a high-level dialogue titled Toward a Shared Digital Future: Inclusive Innovation and Cooperation to Bridge the Digital Divide. In her speech, Pavcus emphasized the urgent need to address the global digital divide, noting that over one-third of the world’s population still lacks access to the benefits of digital technology. She urged governments to prioritize affordable internet access and digital literacy for underdeveloped regions. She also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, calling for stronger regulations to tackle cybercrime and the misuse of AI, particularly in combating misinformation and protecting women and children from online harm. Pavcus advocated for government investment in network monitoring systems and creating channels for the public to report harmful online behaviors.
High-Level Participation The dialogue was chaired by President Alar Karis of Estonia and President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, with other world leaders, including President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, also attending.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Shines on the Global Stage
As a corporate representative, Bainian Yiren captivated attendees by highlighting its achievements in innovating traditional Chinese medicine. Bainian Yiren not only engaged in in-depth discussions during the Summit but also displayed its brand on New York's Times Square, illustrating the unique impact of Chinese culture on the global stage. Rooted in intangible cultural heritage, the company combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology to create health products suited to today’s needs. These products, recognized with international awards like Monde Selection and iSEE AWARD, have earned global consumer trust. Bainian Yiren is dedicated to preserving Chinese culture, promoting a philosophy of “health first, prevention foremost,” and advancing innovation in traditional medicine. In its Summit speech, the company emphasized that traditional medicine not only treats illness but also provides comprehensive health support through preventive care. The company also integrates sustainability into its operations, actively reducing carbon emissions and adopting eco-friendly measures to meet the global demand for green health products. Bainian Yiren introduced its maternal and women's health programs in remote areas, which support sustainable development and gender equality through health education and medical assistance.
Promoting Global Education Equality
Youth representative Qi Chong called for educational equality, noting that technology can break down geographical and economic barriers. He urged reforms and volunteerism to support students in underserved areas and promote fair distribution of educational resources.
Fangting Gu from the UnLearning Initiative stressed youth empowerment as central to the Summit, advocating for more programs that foster global perspectives and self-awareness among Chinese youth, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development.
Corporate Digital Transformation and Green Finance
Yang Qingqing, GM of Suzhou JDMan, shared his expertise in big data marketing, stressing that data transparency and big data are at the heart of modern marketing. By leveraging digital tools, businesses can better understand customer needs, reduce trust costs, and enhance competitiveness. He called on global enterprises to accelerate digital transformation and embrace tech innovations to adapt to market changes, showcasing China’s contributions to global digitalization.
Representing the banking sector, Keheng Qiang spoke on the vital role of financial innovation in sustainable development. He highlighted that banks must not only provide capital but also incorporate sustainability standards in project evaluations to foster a low-carbon economy and green finance. He emphasized the need for global financial collaboration and innovative green financial products to support climate action and ensure that economic growth aligns with environmental protection.
The Summit underscored the need for multilateral action in facing global challenges, marking a significant step forward for world leaders.
