NEWS DESK
KUALA LUMPUR: The 4th Global Youth Conference (GYC) in Malaysia became a vibrant celebration of youth leadership, innovation, and vision — proving that young people today are not just the leaders of tomorrow but change-makers of the present.
Held at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU/APIIT), the two-day event, themed “Disrupt the Ordinary: Youth at the Frontlines of Global Reset,” brought together dynamic young leaders, policy thinkers, social innovators, and dreamers from around the world.
Participants exchanged ideas on how youth can shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking global agenda, reaffirming that the energy, creativity, and courage of the new generation are redefining what leadership truly means in the 21st century.
The opening day set an inspiring tone with welcoming remarks from Abdul Moiz, CEO, and Chengkuac Awan, President of GYC, followed by a keynote address from the Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU, emphasizing the need for inclusive global solutions. The plenary session, “Youth as Drivers of Global Change,” featured voices like Nurruddin Abdul Aziz, Zailan Arabee Abdul Salam, H.E. Elvana Shala (Republic of Kosovo), and Chengkuac Awan, who urged young leaders to confront climate crises, conflict, and digital transformation with courage and innovation.
The Youth Storytelling session was one of the most anticipated moments of the conference. It featured Anum Shakeel from Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Elvana Shala from the Republic of Kosovo, and Shopnil Sanjana from Bangladesh, each sharing personal journeys that blended resilience with purpose.
Anum Shakeel, a Global Youth Award 2025 laureate, stood out for her diverse experience and forward-looking vision. As Head of Media and Communications at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), she has bridged public health, academia, and innovation. Her work has advanced health equity, supported women’s leadership, strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystems, and influenced regional policy dialogues, demonstrating the power of communication to drive social change beyond borders.
The program also featured the Youth Open Mic on “One Idea for the World”, vibrant cultural showcases, and engaging dialogues that encouraged collaboration across regions.
The closing evening of the conference honored trailblazers through the Global Youth Awards 2025. Anum Shakeel from Pakistan, Shopnil Sanjana from Bangladesh, and Manhil from Malaysia were among the distinguished recipients, recognized alongside other young visionaries who are addressing social inequities and leading transformative change.
On the second day, an interactive city tour fostered cultural exchange and built lasting connections among participants from diverse countries.
The 4th GYC Malaysia 2025 stood as a vivid reminder that the voices of young leaders are not just shaping conversations but are redefining the priorities of our collective future. The event’s atmosphere of curiosity, solidarity, and innovation reflected a new generation unwilling to wait for change but determined to drive it.
