G20 Youth Dialogue: A Personal Reflection 


In October 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate as a panelist in the G20 Youth Dialogue in Beijing. Representing diverse voices from around the globe, this experience pushed me to think critically about the role of innovation, education, and participatory design in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

As a panelist for the discussion “Education, Technology, and Quality Growth in the Digital Era,” I was both humbled and inspired by the opportunity to share my insights on the importance of co-design and participative methods. My contributions drew from my research on public spaces and inclusive classroom designs, where I advocate for solutions that prioritize the voices of users—especially those often overlooked.

Beyond the Youth Dialogue, I also attended the G20 Dialogue, where prominent figures like a former Minister of Education, representatives from the World Bank, and experts from across the globe engaged in discussions about pressing global issues. While I wasn’t an active participant in this session, I had the chance to deliver a remark to the leaders in attendance. I passionately advocated for actively involving young people in the creation of guidelines, laws, and syllabi rather than relying solely on data.

I emphasized the importance of a participative approach, calling on leaders to collaborate directly with young people to shape policies and systems that truly reflect their needs and aspirations. To my surprise, this remark was not only well-received but was also referenced multiple times by organizers and participants throughout the event.

 Skills Practiced and Developed

Participating in such high-level discussions gave me the opportunity to practice and refine several key skills:

  • Public Speaking: Articulating ideas clearly and persuasively to an international audience of experts and leaders.
  • Advocacy: Making a case for participative approaches and ensuring youth voices were represented in global dialogues.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Engaging with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, enhancing my ability to find common ground.
  • Critical Thinking: Responding to complex global challenges with thoughtful, innovative ideas during discussions.
  • Networking: Building connections with thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world.


These experiences not only strengthened my confidence in sharing my ideas but also expanded my ability to listen, learn, and adapt within a global context. 

Reflecting on the panel and the dialogue, one idea stood out: people’s ideas matter more than a designer’s assumptions. This belief, which has shaped much of my work, resonated strongly during these discussions. It was affirming to see how global leaders and young innovators alike were eager to explore ways we can involve communities in decision-making processes that impact their lives.

While I initially felt unsure about my ability to contribute meaningfully to such a significant platform, the experience reinforced the value of my perspective as someone working at the intersection of architecture, user experience, and participatory design. Engaging with the other panelists and attendees broadened my understanding of the challenges we face globally—and the collective power we hold to address them.

The event was not just an opportunity to share my ideas but also to listen and learn. I left with a deeper appreciation for cross-disciplinary collaboration and a renewed commitment to integrating inclusive, user-centric approaches into my work.

Participating in the G20 Youth Dialogue and contributing to the G20 Dialogue reminded me that innovation is not just about technology or groundbreaking ideas—it’s about creating spaces, both physical and virtual, where everyone can thrive. This experience will remain a milestone in my journey as a designer and advocate for human-centered solutions.