— On April 24, 2026, the International Youth Talk was successfully convened online under the theme “Why Young People Should Care About Agriculture.” Jointly organized by Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED), UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), and the China-ASEAN Technical Education Cooperation Platform (CATECP), with support from the Southeast Asia Youth Sustainable Development Foundation (PASITA) and Go Study Global Education, the event brought together young professionals, and academics across Southeast Asia to advance dialogue of youth-led agricultural innovation.
Opening remarks set a collaborative tone for the session. Mr. Tim Vorn, Head of the Research and Development Division of SEAMEO TED. He noted that modern agriculture drives innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, and stressed equipping youth with digital skills and exposure to emerging technologies. Building on this foundation, Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED, highlighted the Centre’s strategic commitment to linking rural education with sustainable agricultural transformation. He noted that challenges like climate change and shifting youth perceptions also create opportunities for innovation and inclusive growth. Dr. Zhao emphasized that long-term food security depends on empowering youth through education and collaboration, and positioning agriculture as a future-ready career.
Mr. Tim Vorn, Head of the Research and Development Division of SEAMEO TED, Delivered Opening Remarks
Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED Gave a Keynote Address
This shared vision was vividly reflected in the youth-led presentations, which collectively redefined agriculture as a technology-enabled, impact-driven field. Representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia showcased how innovations such as precision farming, drone-assisted monitoring, hydroponic systems, and agritech entrepreneurship are reshaping the sector. Across all cases, a consistent message emerged: young people are no longer passive recipients of knowledge but active co-creators of solutions—bridging digital literacy, community engagement, and sustainable business models to build resilient food systems.
The International Youth Talk brought together regional voices to drive cross-border collaboration and policy dialogue. It highlighted UNESCO INRULED’s leadership and the power of partnerships in empowering youth to shape a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future.
Group Photo
Contact Info:
Name: Zora Cao
Email: Send Email
Organization: Guangxi XUEERSHIXING Commerce&Exhibition Co.,Ltd.
Website: http://www.go-study.cn/
Release ID: 89190119
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