Young scholars are expected to inject fresh momentum into Asia-Pacific cooperation and innovation amid global uncertainty, officials and experts said on Wednesday at an APEC youth forum in Shenzhen, Guangdong.

The APEC Study Centers Consortium Youth Scholars Forum, jointly organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen and Nankai University's APEC Study Center, brought together researchers, officials, and experts from 13 APEC economies to discuss innovation, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.

"Young scholars represent the next wave of innovation and research," said Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of the APEC Secretariat. "They will bring fresh momentum to Asia-Pacific cooperation and academic development."

Pedrosa said APEC, established 37 years ago, has expanded from 12 to 21 economies, now accounting for about 37 percent of the global population and roughly 61 percent of the world's GDP.

Participants said young researchers are playing an increasingly important role as the Asia-Pacific region faces challenges, including technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.

In a video address, Nankai University President Chen Yulu said the APEC Study Centers Consortium has become an important platform for academic and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting APEC's "family spirit". He said the youth forum, launched ahead of China's hosting of APEC this year, aims to promote regional cooperation through youth engagement, technological innovation, and academic exchange.

Artificial intelligence was another focus of the forum.

Jiang Xiajuan, a professor at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and former deputy secretary-general of the State Council, described AI as a "natively globalized technology" and called for greater international cooperation in its development and governance.

China will host APEC meetings in 2026 for the third time, with about 300 meetings and events planned in cities including Shanghai, Dalian, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.