Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit 5.0 Convenes in Hangzhou, Uniting Young Cooperators to Shape Ethical AI and Digital Economies
HANGZHOU, China, September 2026
The International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), through its Committee on Youth Cooperation, is organizing the fifth edition of the Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit (APCYS 5.0) from 1–4 September 2026 in Hangzhou, China. It is hosted by the All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC) and the Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade (ZJIET), with support from the ICA-EU Partnership FFPA 2. The Summit brings together 130 young cooperators, policymakers, technologists, and cooperative leaders from 13 countries across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. It also features experts and speakers from the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), Alibaba Foundation, Global Youth AI Advisory Board, Institute of Asian Studies, and ICA-AP member organizations.
Souvenirs presented to dignitaries by ICA-AP. From left to right: Mr. Pierre Yves Lucas, Team Leader of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to China; Mr. Adili Wubuli, President of the Board of Supervisors of the All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC) and Vice President of ICA-AP; Mr. Zhu Hongfei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province; and Mr. Balasubramanian G. Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP.
Over the four days, the participants will explore how cooperative enterprises can lead responsible innovation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy under the theme “Future-Ready Cooperatives: Youth Shaping Ethical AI and Digital Economies.” This year’s gathering also marks the Summit’s 10th anniversary, since the inaugural APCYS brought together young cooperators in Bali, Indonesia, in 2016.
The Summit opened on 1 September with an Inauguration Ceremony addressed by Mr. Zhu Hongfei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province., alongside Mr. Adili Wubuli, President of the Board of Supervisors of the All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC) and Vice President of ICA-AP; Mr. Pierre Yves Lucas, Team Leader of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to China; Mr. Guo Fuchun, President of the Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade (ZJIET); and Mr. Balasubramanian G. Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP.
Mr. Zhu Hongfei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province, China
“Young people are the builders of the digital age and the communicators of cooperative values,” said Mr. Zhu Hongfei. “Zhejiang Province has accumulated rich experience in advancing international education and in combating challenges such as algorithmic bias and the digital divide, and I hope this Summit opens a window for cooperative youth across Asia Pacific to engage in important, ethical multilateral dialogue.”
Mr. Adili Wubuli, President of the Board of Supervisors of the All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC) and Vice President of ICA-AP
“As we saw at the Global Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai two months ago, AI development today is shaped by a host of government regulation and governance challenges, with much power concentrated in the hands of platforms,” said Mr. Adili Wubuli. “The cooperative is precisely the kind of alternative model that centres on people, where no member is left behind, and AI must be approached with caution, checks, and balances.”
Mr. Guo Fuchun, President of the Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade (ZJIET)
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to host the Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit, which focuses on youth shaping ethical AI and digital economies,” said Mr. Guo Fuchun. “The Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade sits at the very intersection of developing new technologies, engaging youth, and tradition, and we hope this dialogue brings knowledge and learning to all the participants through the Summit.”
Mr. Balasubramanian G. Iyer, Regional Director, ICA-AP
“Artificial intelligence is already changing how we learn, work, communicate, produce and make decisions,” said Mr. Balasubramanian G. Iyer. “Our task is not to resist innovation, nor to embrace every new technology without question. It is to shape innovation responsibly and place it in the service of people.”
Mr. Pierre Yves Lucas, Team Leader of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to China
“Young cooperative leaders are not only participants in change. They are architects of change,” said Mr. Pierre Yves Lucas. “The future of cooperatives will depend not only on your ability to harness technology with creativity, but also with responsibility.”
Cultural Performance at the Inauguration Ceremony of APCYS 5.0
Over the course of the Summit, delegates take part in plenary discussions and keynote sessions on cooperatives in the digital economy, hands-on workshops and AI toolkits for cooperatives, and a Policy Hack Dialogue on designing ethical AI policy, alongside a Youth Open Mic and Story Circle spotlighting cooperative journeys from across the region and networking opportunities with regional cooperative leaders, innovators, and policymakers. The program culminates with the Coop Pitch competition, where winning teams receive cash prizes, mentorship, and access to key partners. The Closing Ceremony will see delegates launching their APCYS 5.0 Commitments, participating in the Go Green Campaign and field visits to leading technology enterprises Alibaba and iFlytek, rounding out the Summit on 4 September.
About APCYS
The Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit is ICA-AP’s flagship platform for engaging the next generation of cooperative leaders, offering a space to build skills, exchange ideas, and shape policy on the issues most critical to the future of the cooperative movement. More information on APCYS 5.0, including the full program and participating delegations, is available at https://apyouthsummit.coop
About ICA-AP
Established in 1960 in New Delhi, India, International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) is one of the four regional offices of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). With a rich history spanning over six decades, we unite, promote, and develop cooperatives in the Asia and Pacific region. We proudly represent and serve a network of 124 members from 29 countries (as of July 2026) across varied economic sectors. Through the promotion of cooperative identity, advocacy, collaboration, and capacity building, we strive to empower cooperatives to thrive and fulfil their potential as drivers of sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic prosperity.
Media Contact:
Ms. Shivali Sarna
Head – Communications and Membership Development
International Cooperative Alliance, Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP)
Shivali.sarna@icaap.coop