Robert M. Larkin, a professor at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), delivered a keynote report at the 2026 World Youth Development Forum in Wuhan, Hubei province, on June 17, sharing how science, sustainability and volunteer services by young people can help reduce poverty.
Speaking at the forum's subforum on volunteer service and poverty reduction, Larkin gave a report titled Technology, Sustainability and a World without Poverty. The session brought together representatives of young people and experts to discuss how innovation can support more inclusive development.
Larkin, who joined HZAU full time in 2016 and later received the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award, has long worked with teachers and students in rural areas such as Enshi in Hubei province, Bijie in Guizhou province, and Nujiang in Yunnan province.
Their efforts have focused on improving horticultural crop varieties, promoting high-value crops and offering cultivation guidance to support rural communities.
In his report, Larkin said that serving as a volunteer in the field of science can play a practical role in reducing poverty.
He encouraged young scientists to combine modern agricultural biotechnology with artificial intelligence, the internet of things, big data and precision agriculture to help farmers solve local problems, lower costs and increase yields.
"A seed can change the world, and a volunteer's effort can light the future," he said, calling on young people to work together for a sustainable, poverty-free future.

Robert M. Larkin delivers a keynote report at the 2026 World Youth Development Forum. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]