Paddy Cosgrave, founder of Web Summit—one of the world's most influential tech conferences—has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering young women's participation in the technology sector. In an interview with CGTN, Cosgrave emphasized that "the future is always built by the next generation," highlighting the critical role of diversity in shaping global innovation.
For over a decade, Web Summit has operated targeted programs enabling young women to attend its flagship events, which gather industry leaders, startups, and investors from across Asia and beyond. These initiatives aim to bridge gender gaps in STEM fields while creating networking opportunities for emerging talent.
As Asia continues to dominate global tech growth, such efforts align with regional demands for skilled professionals. Business analysts note that inclusive tech ecosystems could unlock $12 trillion in global GDP by 2025, with Asian markets driving significant portions of this growth.
Academics and diaspora communities have praised programs that connect young women with mentors from Silicon Valley to Shenzhen. Meanwhile, travelers following Asia's tech hubs increasingly view such conferences as indicators of emerging market trends.
Cosgrave's vision underscores a growing recognition: empowering diverse voices today will define tomorrow's technological breakthroughs across Asia and the world.
Reference(s):
Web Summit founder: Facilitating young women in technology sector
cgtn.com