As one of the signature programs of the World Internet Conference (WIC), the 2025 Global Youth Leadership Program has attracted applications from outstanding young talents from nearly 120 countries and regions across six continents. Following a rigorous evaluation by an international panel of experts, 20 young leaders from 20 countries and regions have been selected as the 2025 WIC Global Youth Leaders.

Among them are emerging scientists excelling in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, practitioners harnessing digital technologies to advance education equality, environmental protection, and social innovation, as well as scholars and entrepreneurs dedicated to digital governance and policy development.

These young leaders are tackling some of the most pressing issues of the digital era with creativity and vision. Giannina Honorio Heredia uses technology to bridge communication barriers between people with and without disabilities. Rachel Lo contributes insightful perspectives on the future of intellectual property in the digital age, while Huy Anh Nguyen, a veteran in news media, has long been engaged in combating online misinformation and promoting media integrity at international forums.

Their strength lies not only in ideas but also in action. Gheida Abdala Omar from Kenya, founder of the technology-driven platform “Girls I Save,” connects young girls with STEM mentors for timely guidance and support. Fernanda Chima from Mexico streamlined external legal consulting by introducing AI-driven processes at the WTO’s Trade in Services and Investment Division, cutting workload by 75 percent. Jo?o Pedro de Goes Novochadlo, founder of the assistive tech startup Veeever from Brazil, has developed contextual voice navigation tools to help visually impaired individuals more safely through public spaces. From AI to accessibility, from education to innovation, these young leaders are turning ideas into impactful actions that benefit people around the world and foster global progress.

The 20 selected youth representatives will come together at the Youth and Digital Future Forum during the 2025 WIC Wuzhen Summit, where they will share their perspectives on internet development and governance, making their voices heard on the world stage.

Building a smart and inclusive future requires the power of youth. In Wuzhen, the world will once again witness how young people are shaping a digital future defined by openness, harmony, and shared prosperity.