The Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), an event of the 2009 Summer Davos, also known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2009, kicks off Wednesday in north China's port city Dalian.

More than 170 participants coming from around the world took part in the activity discussing hot topics in global economic and social arenas.

David Aikman, head of the YGL Forum, said that the attendees would focus on topics including the rising Chinese economy, global financial crisis and environmental protection.

The young leaders would attend the 2009 Summer Davos, at which Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)