Hong Kong/New York, September 2025 —The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Yunus Centre and The YY Foundation for the annual United Nations High-Level Side Event on Social Business, Youth and Technology. The event will be held during the historic 80th session of the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, now the Chief Adviser of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the event convenes global advocates to advance solutions for peace, sustainability, and inclusive development. Participants include heads of state, UN officials, business leaders, and young changemakers, all unified by the mission of accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CUSEF President James Chau, one of the longest-serving UN Goodwill Ambassadors, will deliver a speech, highlighting the themes of peace, dialogue, and cooperation.
“In a time marked by division and uncertainty, investing in young leaders, strengthening collaboration across borders, and advancing peace through mutual understanding have never been more vital,” said Mr. Chau. “Reflecting the spirit of CUSEF, we are proud to join Muhammad Yunus, Yunus Centre and The YY Foundation in supporting this high-level dialogue, where meaningful ideas can once again be turned into action.”
Speakers include His Excellency Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate, and UN SDG Advocate Emeritus; His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate; Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Nations Food and Agriculture Organization; and Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Vicar General of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and President of the Fratelli Tutti Foundation.
This partnership comes as CUSEF prepares to convene the 6th U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum, its annual flagship event, on November 17, 2025. Each year, it draws eminent participants including business leaders, policy architects, renowned scholars, Nobel laureates, as well as heads of state and government including Muhammad Yunus, José Ramos-Horta, Mary Robinson, Yasuo Fukuda, Helen Clark, Jean Chretien, Romano Prodi, and Goh Chok Tong. This year, the Forum’s theme is ‘Circles for Peace,’ marking 80 years since the end of World War Two and the establishment of the UN Nations.
About CUSEF
The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) is an independent nonprofit with a mission to serve as a platform for exchange among the peoples of China, the U.S., and the world they shape together. Through open dialogue, mutual learning, and a commitment to shared responsibility, it builds trust, understanding, and relationships for enduring peace. Established in 2008 by the Honorable Tung Chee-hwa, CUSEF has earned a global reputation as a leader in U.S.-China relations.
About Yunus Centre
The Yunus Centre, founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, is a global hub for social business. It serves as a model for addressing shared challenges and with a mission of consigning poverty to history.
CUSEF President James Chau speaks at the 80th UAGA High-level Event on Social Business, Youth and Technology on September 22, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus addressing the U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum in 2024.