Themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation," the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 was held in Boao, south China's Hainan province, from March 24 to 27.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA, which has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the wider world.

This year's conference centered on forging broad consensus on upholding multilateralism, opposing protectionism, deepening open cross-border cooperation, and bolstering inclusive, sustainable growth for Asia and the broader global economy.

Nearly 2,000 delegates from over 60 countries and regions took part in about 50 sub-forums, roundtable discussions, and dialogues.

The forum released two flagship annual reports at a press conference during the summit.

Asia remains the world's primary growth engine, with its economy forecast to expand by 4.5 percent in 2026. The global center of AI development is progressively shifting from the United States and Europe toward Asia, according to the report titled Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2026.

The AI industry chain is now extensive and complex, with different Asian countries possessing their own strengths across various vertical sectors, said Deloitte China Research partner Lydia Chen. "Moving forward, collaboration at the industrial, software, data and policy levels will help facilitate a more convenient and efficient flow of key factors."

Asia is emerging as a pivotal force in the global shift toward greener, low-carbon energy, moving from "the largest center of traditional energy consumption" to "a leader in clean energy development," according to the report titled Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2026 — Sustainable Development in Asia amid Global Transformation. 

"Asia's green transition, particularly energy transition, is deepening and positioning the region as a spearheading global force," said Li Baosen, deputy secretary-general of the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization.

China has become a global leader in robotics and green energy, sectors that are not isolated but foundational layers for the future economy, Jack Perry, chairman of The 48 Group, has said.

More than 30 cross-border cooperation projects were signed on the sidelines, covering digital economy, green energy, advanced manufacturing and agricultural cooperation. The forum also launched three new multilateral cooperation initiatives, including the Asian Digital Economy Partnership and the Asia-Pacific Green Energy Cooperation Network. These initiatives will build long-term cooperation platforms for governments, enterprises and research institutions across the region.

China's commitment to multilateralism, free trade and inclusiveness offers crucial strategic stability to a world marked by market volatility and growing protectionism, Denis Depoux, global managing director at the Munich-based Roland Berger, said.