2024 Youth Development Summit Hong Kong: Shaping a Global-Minded Generation

Berita Baru, Hong Kong -The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today, August 10th 2024 launched the “Youth Development Summit,” a key event marking the beginning of the 2024 Youth Festival. With t he theme “Set Sail for New Horizons,” this inaugural summit brought together officials responsible for youth policies from various regions, as well as business leaders, innovators in technology, creative industry experts, young entrepreneurs, and representatives from youth organizations.

The event attracted more than 2,400 registered participants, including approximately 500 young people from Mainland China and other countries such as Singapore, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. This diverse gathering offered a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange on issues that matter to young people.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee, officiated the summit’s opening ceremony. In his remarks, Mr. Lee underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future, stating, “Young people are the future pillars of our society. Our vision is to cultivate a new generation equipped with a global outlook, a positive and aspirational mindset, and a deep sense of connection to our country and city. We are committed to providing our youth with a supportive environment and a hopeful future,” as quoted from the official website of the Hong Kong government.

Mr. Lee also highlighted the government’s dedication to youth development, noting the introduction of Hong Kong’s first Youth Development Blueprint. This blueprint outlines the government’s vision and detailed strategies for nurturing young talent, emphasizing the boundless potential of both Hong Kong and the youth who choose to engage with the city. He encouraged young people to embody the spirit of Hong Kong—marked by perseverance and a drive for excellence.

In the morning session titled “Empowering the Next Generation,” prominent officials involved in youth development from various regions discussed the critical role of youth in social and economic progress. They also shared insights on government policies and initiatives aimed at fostering talent, encouraging innovation, and promoting social engagement.

Keynote speakers included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki; President of the All-China Youth Federation, Mr. Xu Xiao; Deputy Minister for Society Development at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Al-Majed; Deputy Minister of Education and Sports and Vice President of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr. Kingmano Phommahaxay; and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Malaysia, Mr. Adam Adli Abd Halim.

During his keynote speech, Mr. Chan outlined the strategic direction and significant achievements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in advancing youth development. He referred to the 2022 Youth Development Blueprint, which includes over 160 measures, as well as nearly 60 new youth-focused initiatives introduced last year.

These initiatives are categorized under four key areas: “exploration,” encouraging youth to explore future possibilities; “hope,” addressing their needs in areas such as internships, employment, and entrepreneurship; “empowerment,” supporting youth in building resilience and self-reliance; and “contribution,” motivating youth to participate actively in community building.

Mr. Chan expressed confidence that all Summit participants share a commitment to supporting the comprehensive development of young people and creating a future where they can fully realize their potential. He encouraged both local and international young talents to seize the development and innovation opportunities available in Hong Kong and collaborate in building a brighter future.

In the afternoon, three thematic sessions took place. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing that Hong Kong is a city full of opportunities where individuals with diverse talents and aspirations can thrive. She noted that this Summit is the first large-scale event focused on youth development organized by the government, providing a new platform for young people to exchange ideas, foster cross-cultural understanding, and inspire innovative thinking with peers from different regions and backgrounds. Miss Mak urged the young participants to actively engage with both the esteemed speakers and their peers.

The first thematic session, titled “Promoting Technological Innovation to Accelerate the Development of New Quality Productive Forces,” was chaired by Legislative Council Member Mr. Duncan Chiu. Panelists included the Founder and Chairman of Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., Mr. Fang Yunzhou; Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Ltd., Mr. Ip Tsz-kin; Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr. Ronald Lam; and General Manager of AstraZeneca Hong Kong and Macau, Ms. Shan Wu. They discussed the critical role of innovation in driving economic growth and the importance of youth involvement in this process.

The second session, “Inspiring Youth Creativity for a Sustainable Future,” was hosted by the Chairman of Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, Mr. Daryl Ng. Leaders from various sectors, including Chief Executive Officer of New World Development Company Ltd., Dr. Adrian Cheng; Principal Partner of MAD Architects, Mr. Yosuke Hayano; artist Ren Zhe; and Founder of the Foundation for Art and Culture, Mr. Arthur de Villepin, explored the intersection of creativity, culture, and sustainability, and how these elements can empower youth to lead innovative development.

The final session, “Nurturing Positive Thinking Amongst Young People for a Brighter Tomorrow,” was moderated by Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr. Clarence Leung. Panelists, including Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr. Raymond Tam; Legislative Council Member and Vice Chairman of All-China Youth Federation, Mr. Kenneth Fok; Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong; and pianist Zhang Shengliang (Niu Niu), shared their insights on the power of positive thinking and the significance of fostering a positive mindset among young people.

To enhance the understanding of Hong Kong’s technological innovations, arts, culture, and heritage conservation among Mainland and overseas participants, HYAB is hosting a three-day thematic visit program with various exchange activities starting on August 9. YDC Youth Ambassadors and Youth Link Committee members are leading over 300 Summit participants on tours across Hong Kong. This initiative aims to promote interaction and collaboration among youth from different regions, showcase the city, and share Hong Kong’s success stories with the world.

Ahead of the Summit, Mr. Chan hosted a welcome dinner for officials, guests, and speakers from Mainland China and overseas who traveled to Hong Kong for the event.