The Future of Globalization and Free Trade — Role of the Youth The Boao Youth Forum for Asia (the Forum) co-organized by the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and The Y.Elites Association invites political and business leaders, specialists and scholars across Hong Kong, the mainland and many other countries, to offer valuable perspectives on Asian economic trends, youth development, education, technology, creativity and innovation.

 

In becoming one of the most influential forums in the world since its launch in 2009, the Forum explore extensive social issues with far-sighted visions. The 2009 “China’s Responses to Financial Crisis” looked at the role of China in diplomatic, economic and cultural realms during the financial downturn. In 2010, “Opportunities and Challenges – Asia’s Development on its Road to Recovery” focused on the still growing Asian economies in a world recovering from the financial crisis, which led to widespread reflection and adjustments on monetary policies and economic growth models. That was followed by the 2011 “Asian Economies in Remodeling: What We Can Do”, which discussed the growth of the creative industry, the fusion of the Internet and everyday life, expectations around higher education and sustainable economic development. "Creative Youth, Innovative Asia: Joining Hands for a Better Future" was the theme in 2013, reviewing economic trends in Asia amid global uncer tainties and how young people pursued new sources of growth and pushed for economic development. "Asia in Restructuring : Vision and Action of Youth" (2015) wished that youths will be inspired through the Forum on their own roles as well as missions, and contribute to their countries and regions in the era of innovation-driven’s economy.

The 2017 Boao Youth Forum for Asia will be held on November 2nd 2017 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, with roughly 1500-2000 pax in attendance. The theme of the conference is “The Future of Globalization and Free Trade – The Role of Youth”. In these ever-changing times, we envisage traditional business models and working styles to be replaced with new forms. The future is riddled with infinite combinations and possibilities. The evolution of globalization is accompanied with new technology. We need to break through traditional thinking in order to stay adaptive. Changing mindsets, keeping up with the times, grasping opportunities and confronting challenges are all very impor tant challenges in this new era. This year’s conference will analyze the path towards development in this new wave of globalization, and to study how young people can adapt to changes and to realize future opportunities.