An influential competition for young minds in global governance, the "Rong Chang Cup" Youth Innovation Competition on Global Governance (YICGG), kicked off in Budapest, Hungary on Monday. 

More than 100 guests and participants from over 30 countries gathered to tackle the theme "Shaping Smart Societies: AI for Good, People-Oriented, and Sustainable Development", aiming to contribute youthful ingenuity to the global AI governance landscape at the event jointly hosted by Fudan University and Shanghai Rong Chang Public Welfare Foundation.

This marks the competition's return to Europe after eight years since a previous event in Milan. Two Hungarian universities - John von Neumann University and Budapest Metropolitan University - joined the competition's core network as partner institutions of higher education, further cementing educational ties between China and Hungary. 

From a pool of more than 400 competitors, 81 finalists from 38 countries advanced to the finals, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Participants will be divided into nine world teams to encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue and innovative solutions to AI governance challenges.
The event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. At the opening ceremony, Fudan University signed memorandum of understanding with several counterparts in Hungary to foster stronger academic exchanges.

Initiated by students at Fudan University in 2007, the competition has evolved into a leading platform for international youth engagement in global governance issues. This year, the competition introduces the "Best Governance Case Award" to recognize outstanding contributions to global governance, aiming to inspire and empower young leaders to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Wang Biye contributed to this story.