On 24 April 2026, the International Youth Talk session themed “Why Young People Should Care About Agriculture” was successfully held online. The event was jointly organised by the China-ASEAN Technical Education Cooperation Platform (CATECP), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED), Go Study Global Education, the PASITA Foundation, and the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED). Through discussions and exchanges, young participants from different backgrounds explored the significance of agriculture in today’s world and its future development. A total of 147 youth representatives from various countries and regions participated in the event, with the livestream reaching 8,700 views across social media platforms.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of INRULED, highlighted the critical role of rural areas in global sustainable development and poverty reduction. He emphasised that, as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development enters a crucial phase, it is essential to unlock the internal potential of rural communities and accelerate progress towards inclusive and sustainable development. Dr. Zhao also noted that young people are key drivers of innovation and change, encouraging participants to leverage their creativity and initiative to actively engage in agricultural transformation and sustainable development.

Youth representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia shared their perspectives through presentations on topics including food security, smart agriculture, and career opportunities in the agricultural sector. Drawing on diverse viewpoints, participants highlighted the close connections between agriculture and daily life, and explored its role in addressing climate change, promoting green transitions, and supporting employment and entrepreneurship. Through presentations and exchanges, the event further deepened young people’s understanding of and engagement with agricultural issues.

The event provided a platform for cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning among youth, fostering greater understanding and collaboration across countries, and promoting the sharing of experiences and ideas related to agriculture and sustainable development. Moving forward, INRULED will continue to work with its partners to foster dialogue and collaboration, contributing to sustainable rural development globally.