Global Baku Forum features panel on “Youth Speak, We Listen”
Baku, March 15, AZERTAC
On the final day of the 12th Global Baku Forum, the 11th panel session focused on the theme “Youth Speak, We Listen.”
Moderated by Klaudia Marta Chmielowska, a research fellow at the Global Policy Institute and co-founder of Lafiya Nigeria, the panel highlighted key issues affecting youth today.
William Wang, an MBA student at Harvard Business School and founder of "Terran Paragon," discussed his organization's mission to connect global talent with developing countries, promote knowledge exchange, and advance the 21st-century knowledge economy through strategic partnerships. "Our company supports young people because they will be the leaders of the future. We are ready to assist them in every field," he said, sharing his work and educational experiences.
Pascal Rathle, Chief of Staff at De Jong Capital, addressed the issue of income inequality, saying: "In the U.S., a CEO's salary is 40 times higher than that of an average employee. Is this fair? With such an unjust distribution of income, young people have no motivation to seek employment or improve their well-being. Ethical commitment and fair distribution should be priorities."
Milind Taneja, Associate Manager for Group Strategy at DIFC Authority, highlighted the financial challenges faced by developing nations, noting that more than 50% of their state budgets are allocated to debt repayments. "This means they lack funds for building homes, developing clean energy infrastructure, or providing basic healthcare services. This is not just an economic crisis but a human crisis that threatens sustainability and development. If we do not address these financing challenges, we put countless lives at risk, depriving people of essential services and economic opportunities," he stressed.
Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Youth Climate Champion, spoke about the challenges climate change poses for young people and their critical role in addressing this global issue. "Youth participation in environmental initiatives and their ability to develop innovative solutions are key to combating climate change. Educating young people and involving them in decision-making processes is essential for sustainable development," she said.
Other speakers also shared their countries' experiences and discussed the ongoing challenges facing the youth globally.
