UPDATE: Over 500 global changemakers convened in Hong Kong for the annual Yidan Prize Summit, focusing on transformative education solutions. The event, held on December 6, 2025, brought together leaders from more than 50 countries to co-create paths forward through education, amidst a backdrop of solidarity for victims of the recent Tai Po fire.
Before the Summit kicked off, participants held a moment of silence to honor those lost in the tragic incident, underscoring the event’s commitment to community and resilience. Attendees included educators, youth leaders, and representatives from NGOs, highlighting the diverse voices crucial to shaping the future of education.
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Education at a Crossroads: Co-Creating Paths Forward for a Brighter Future,” emphasized collaboration in the face of rapid technological changes and societal challenges. Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, founder of the Yidan Prize, reiterated the importance of collective action: “
We do this knowing that what we can achieve together far outweighs anything we each do alone.
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Over 200 educators, 100 youth leaders, and representatives from over 40 foundations, 30 universities, and 100 K-12 schools participated in two days of critical discussions. Key topics included the implications of AI in education, the future of edtech, and the importance of fostering leadership across all levels. Notable speakers included:
– Professor Ju-Ho Lee, former Acting President of the Republic of Korea
– Dr. Fengchun Miao, UNESCO’s Lead on AI and Future of Education
– Andreas Schleicher from OECD
– HE Serigne Mbaye Thiam, former Minister of National Education of Senegal
– Professor Yongxin Zhu, founder of the New Education Initiative
On the second day, the Summit showcased inspiring stories of transformation, featuring three Yidan Prize laureates: Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Professor Usha Goswami, and Angeline Murimirwa. They shared their journeys as global education changemakers, further igniting passion among attendees, including Olympian-turned-educator Yvette Kong and youth advocate Anna Yao.
In addition to the Summit, the Yidan Prize Foundation co-hosted a series of knowledge exchange events. A forum titled “From Global Opportunities to Local Action: Charting Hong Kong’s Way Forward as an International Education Hub” gathered international experts to discuss Hong Kong’s potential to enhance cross-cultural collaboration and innovation in education.
The event culminated with the official recognition of the 2025 Yidan Prize laureates, who were awarded their medals on December 6. Professor Uri Wilensky, laureate for Education Research, discussed his vision to democratize computational thinking as a fundamental literacy. Mamadou Amadou Ly, laureate for Education Development, highlighted his work in West Africa, advocating for multilingual education as a tool for cultural preservation and equitable futures.
The Yidan Prize Foundation continues to drive impactful change in education, with a mission to create a better world through innovative approaches. The Yidan Prize is regarded as the world’s highest education accolade, offering significant funding and support to laureates, thereby amplifying their efforts to positively transform lives through education.
For continuous updates and insights, follow the Yidan Prize Foundation on social media platforms. This summit marks a pivotal moment in the global education landscape as leaders unite, share knowledge, and inspire action toward a brighter future.
