Global Talent Summit releases report on quality, flow of global talent

The Global Talent Summit 2025 released a report titled "Global Talent Flow: Trends and Prospects" on the quality and the flow of global talent in the international market on Friday in Beijing.

The event has brought together hundreds of delegates from across the world to discuss how talent could contribute to cope with uncertainties globally.

As the first event of its kind, the Global Talent Summit focuses on topics such as "Enhancing Beijing's Exchanges with Other Countries" and "Upgrading Talent Development in the AI Era".

"We are standing at the intersection of an intensive technological disruption, a large demographic transition, and much geopolitical uncertainty. This is a time when talent is no longer just a labor market issue. It has become much more than that, particularly given the emphasis on innovation in the world today," said Dennis Simon, President of the Alliance of Global Talent Organization.

The report noted that, in terms of overall talent competitiveness, the United States continues to rank first, followed by South Korea, Sweden, and Japan. China holds the fifth position.

However, with the U.S. taking the "American First" policy in recent years, some talent has moved to Europe, Asia and other parts of the world instead.

The report also noted that in recent years, China has adopted a series of more active, open and efficient policies to attract more talent to the nation.

"I think what it highlights to me is China's commitment to openness to connectivity and shared progress," said Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China.

"Beijing to me is an attractive and very interesting city. And to me, there is no basic difference between living in Beijing, London, New York or Paris. Here you have a strong infrastructure, good services, good schools, good hospitals, excellent universities. And you have all these attractions," said Thorir Ibsen, Ambassador of Iceland to China.

Experts say that amid growing uncertainties in the international community, it is more important than ever to strengthen the global flow of talent, while also enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Global Talent Summit releases report on quality, flow of global talent

As much as 37 percent of Americans saw their debt increase during this year's holiday shopping season, with average debt rising to 1,223 U.S. dollars from 1,181 dollars last year, according to the latest holiday debt survey of LendingTree, the nation's online loan marketplace.

The survey, conducted earlier this month among more than 2,000 U.S. consumers, found that rising tariffs and higher prices have put additional pressure on household budgets.

In a statement, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said the strain becomes more pronounced during the holiday season, as many consumers are reluctant to change long-standing shopping traditions, even as costs rise, leading to higher debt levels.

According to the survey, 63 percent of borrowers expect it will take three months or longer to repay their holiday-related debt, while about 41 percent said they are still paying off debt from last year. Schulz warned that if borrowers need six months to a year or more to repay their balances, the situation becomes more serious due to high credit card interest rates.

Data from Bankrate show that the average U.S. credit card interest rate currently exceeds 20 percent.

Meanwhile, U.S. consumers have grown increasingly pessimistic about their financial situation. Data released on Tuesday by The Conference Board showed that the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index fell for the fifth consecutive month in December, dropping to 89.1, the lowest level since April, amid deepening anxiety over jobs and income.

Over one-third of Americans rack up holiday debt: survey