GYDA Delegation Joins 2025 World Shipping Summit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China — November 17, 2025 — The 2025 World Shipping Summit opened in Hong Kong, bringing together global maritime leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers to discuss the future of international shipping, supply chain resilience, and sustainable maritime development. As one of Asia's most influential gatherings in the maritime sector, the Summit serves as a high-level platform for fostering cooperation across governments, enterprises, and global institutions at a time of profound transformation in the world's shipping industry.

The opening ceremony was attended by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Both leaders formally received the visiting delegation led by Fabrizio Hochschild, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Senior Advisor to the Global Youth Development Alliance (GYDA).

The GYDA delegation included Allan Han, Executive Director of GYDA; Zhu Hong, member of the GYDA Consultative Committee and Executive Secretary-General of the China Chief Economist Forum; and Elaine, Programme Assistant at GYDA. Their participation underscored GYDA's commitment to global dialogue on sustainable development, youth leadership, and cross-sector cooperation.

Keynote on Shipping Transformation and the SDGs

As one of the Summit's most anticipated sessions, Fabrizio Hochschild delivered a keynote speech offering insights at the intersection of global maritime transformation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on his extensive experience in international governance, he highlighted the need for green shipping innovation, decarbonization pathways, digitalization of maritime logistics, and youth engagement in shaping the future of global trade.

His address brought an international and forward-looking perspective that resonated strongly with government leaders, industry executives, and academic experts. By emphasizing collaborative approaches to climate action, technological innovation, and talent development, the keynote helped position youth and multilateral cooperation as core drivers of a more sustainable and resilient maritime ecosystem.

Strengthening Global Maritime Cooperation

This high-level exchange and keynote intervention not only elevated the Summit's global dimension but also strengthened collaboration between Hong Kong and international maritime stakeholders. The dialogue helped build broader consensus on enhancing cooperation, integrating emerging technologies, and supporting youth participation as the global shipping industry navigates structural changes and prepares for a more sustainable future.