Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 26, 2025 Economic development
Young people make a vital contribution to the development of the industrial complex and the introduction of new technologies. Furthermore, young people are generally concerned about issues such as climate change and are eager to serve society. The role of young people was highlighted at the Global Industrial Summit in Riyadh, with an entire day dedicated to the generation of the future.
Young people are ready to take risks
Today, 90 percent of startups fail, and one could understand young people deciding that starting their own company – especially in such turbulent times for the global economy – is too risky.
"But there's a 10 percent chance you can make a difference in people's lives," counters student Daniel Wu, who boldly chose to take the risk.
"If no one takes advantage of that 10 percent, then no one will succeed in the future," he adds.
Wu's project, a digital platform for training rural youth in AI and software skills, has reached the finals of the Youth Innovation Competition run by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
As a finalist, Wu was invited to the UNIDO Global Industrial Summit in Riyadh, where he participated in a session of the Youth Parliament. This is a global discussion platform created by UNIDO jointly with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia.
Dialogue with political and industry leaders
The energy and enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs who attended the summit was palpable: they were eager to maximize networking opportunities and made sure to meet as many mentors, policymakers, and potential investors as possible.
The official youth program included a series of interactive dialogues, presentations of innovative technologies, and mentoring sessions. Young delegates presented cutting-edge solutions in renewable energy, circular economy practices, and digital manufacturing.
The forum's events opened up new opportunities for direct communication between young people and political and industry leaders.
"We know how our generation thinks"
Beyond the alarming statistics and high failure rates among startups, a lack of experience can also be a barrier for young people. But this doesn't stop Wu, who is convinced that young people's initiatives deserve investment because they offer a unique perspective on the world.
"We grew up with computers, with the internet, and we understand how people interact with different types of content. We have a good understanding of how our generation—the next big market segment—thinks, and that's why we have an advantage over the older generation," says Wu.
By dedicating an entire day to youth, the organizers of the Global Manufacturing Summit sent a clear message to the world: the industry of the future is shaped not only by established leaders, but also by the creativity and determination of the next generation.
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