Group Photo of the “2026 Global Youth Trends Forum”
The Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration (YDA) officially launched the 2026 Global Youth Trends Forum (GYTF) today (January 3) in Taipei. Under the theme “Powering Sustainability: Youth × Green Collar × Action,” the two-day forum brings together approximately 230 youth representatives and distinguished guests from 21 countries, creating a global platform to explore how young people can become key drivers of change through green careers and cross-sector collaboration amid the global net-zero transition.
The forum highlights Taiwan’s role as an important hub for international youth exchange. Taiwan’s diplomatic allies demonstrated strong support by dispatching ministerial-level delegations. Among the attendees were Salma Agüero Caballero, Minister of Youth of Paraguay, and Indira Chantelle Loague, Director of Youth Services of the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Affairs of Belize, who joined youth delegates from around the world to engage in in-depth discussions on the practical pathways toward sustainable development.
On-Stage Sharing by H.E. Salma Agüero Caballero, Minister of Youth of Paraguay
Spanning two days, the forum features a rich and diverse program including thematic forums, immersive experiential activities, roundtable discussions, and youth presentations. Through these formats, participants engage in meaningful cross-national dialogue and experience sharing, enhancing their understanding of global trends, strengthening their capacity for action, and further deepening Taiwan’s participation in international youth affairs.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-Wei emphasized that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, industrial transformation, and social inequality, youth are not only bearers of the future but also a critical force for change today. He noted that the government has long placed importance on youth participation in public affairs and international issues. Through platforms such as the Global Youth Trends Forum, the Ministry of Education encourages young people to transform concern into action, cultivate cross-sector capabilities, and find their roles and influence within sustainable development and the green economy.
Opening Remarks by Liu Kuo-wei, Deputy Minister (Political), Ministry of Education
The keynote forum invited distinguished speakers from the fields of public policy, international youth advocacy, and industry practice to exchange insights on sustainability and youth action. Speakers included Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming, Joshua Amponsem, Co-Executive Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund, and Chen Yang-Wen, Deputy Executive Director of the Delta Electronics Foundation. Drawing from diverse perspectives, the panelists shared policy insights, international experiences, and hands-on practices, offering youth participants forward-looking and multifaceted viewpoints.
Panel Sharing by Peng Chi-ming, Minister of the Ministry of Environment
Panel Sharing by Chen Yang-wen, Deputy Executive Director, Delta Electronics Foundation
Deputy Minister Liu also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s “Youth Global Dream-Building Fund Program,” which encourages young people to engage with the world through overseas internships, hands-on practice, and cross-cultural exchange. The program aims not only to help youth “go global,” but also to empower them to transform what they learn abroad into concrete actions that benefit society and generate global impact. Echoing this vision, the forum featured youth representatives who previously participated in the program, including Yi-Hsin Chiu and Yi-Ting Wu, who shared reflections from their overseas experiences in environmental governance, sustainability-related professional practice, and international engagement. Their stories demonstrated how young people can integrate professional expertise with sustainability values and translate global exposure into tangible outcomes.
Panel Sharing by Joshua Amponsem, Co-Executive Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund
In addition, the forum introduced an immersive thematic activity titled “The Inter-stellar Adventure of ESGGY.” Through gamified design and interactive experiences, the activity guided participants to better understand sustainability issues, stimulated cross-sector collaboration and innovative thinking, and transformed abstract sustainability concepts into concrete and actionable ideas. Roundtable discussions and youth stage presentations further encouraged mutual exchange of perspectives, building momentum for cross-national youth collaboration.
The Youth Development Administration stated that the 2026 forum centers on “New Momentum for Sustainability,” aiming to connect youth partners worldwide—from sustainable lifestyles and green careers to international cooperation—to jointly inject new energy into building a more resilient and inclusive sustainable future.
VIP Group Photo of the “2026 Global Youth Trends Forum”
For more information, please visit the official website of the Global Youth Trends Forum and the Youth Development Administration’s social media platforms.
Global Youth Trends Forum official website: https://iyouth.youthhub.tw/gytf/
Global Youth Trends Forum Facebook page: https://reurl.cc/8X2Omg