Leaders from government, business, academia and international missions discuss youth participation, climate resilience, inclusive development and global cooperation
Diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, academics and young delegates gathered in Hong Kong to explore how the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be translated into practical action in climate resilience, education, clean energy, mental health and social inclusion
Hong Kong : Political representatives, diplomats, business leaders, academics and youth delegates came together in Hong Kong on Friday for the launch of the Youth Sustainable Development International Summit, aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through youth participation and cross-sector collaboration.
Organised by the Mytheast Youth Club, the launch ceremony brought together representatives of the consulates of Zimbabwe and Nigeria, members of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, the Deputy Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit and leaders from sectors including property development, aviation, banking, tourism, finance, technology, healthcare, law and education.
The discussions focused on how Hong Kong could translate the global Sustainable Development Goals into practical policies and community-level initiatives while creating greater opportunities for young people to participate in international affairs.
UN Training Linked to Local Development
In his welcome address, Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Chairman of the Mytheast Youth Club, said the organisation had been working to strengthen youth participation in public affairs and sustainable development.
He highlighted the United Nations Youth Development Programme, jointly delivered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and GBAMUN. The programme provides young participants with training at the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva and exposes them to diplomacy, multilateral institutions and international policymaking.
According to Lam, the summit would help participants convert their international training into practical contributions, including policy recommendations for Hong Kong and China.
He said the organisation would continue supporting youth development while encouraging young people to contribute ideas and solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Zimbabwe Highlights Climate-Smart Agriculture
Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, shared Zimbabwe’s experience in addressing climate change, food insecurity and land degradation through sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management.
He highlighted the Pfumvudza/Intwasa climate-smart agriculture programme, which promotes conservation farming, drought-tolerant traditional grains, improved water management and integrated agricultural systems.
Mutamba said sustainable development should be treated as an investment capable of generating employment, strengthening food security, attracting responsible investment and protecting ecosystems.
He also invited Hong Kong businesses to explore partnerships with Zimbabwe in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, food processing and eco-tourism.
Nigeria Focuses on Clean Energy and Resilient Farming
Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul and Head of Chancery and Education at the Consulate General of Nigeria in Hong Kong, spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Consul General.
She said Nigeria had been working to balance economic development with environmental protection through climate-smart farming, drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation and agroforestry.
Onuoha also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to expand solar and wind energy, particularly in underserved areas. She referred to the Solar Power Naija initiative, which seeks to improve access to clean electricity while creating green employment opportunities for young people.
She urged Hong Kong’s youth to view sustainable development as a practical pathway to inclusive economic growth rather than a distant global aspiration.
Youth Delegates Present Community Initiatives
Several participants in the United Nations Youth Development Programme presented proposals showing how global sustainability principles could be applied in education, mental health, conservation and social inclusion.
Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, said exposure to Model United Nations programmes and global institutions could equip young people with the confidence and skills required to participate in international cooperation.
Chu Wai Lun, Biology Panel Head at Hong Kong True Light College, spoke about integrating conservation, citizen science and experiential learning into school education. His initiatives focus on endangered Chinese species and seek to connect scientific education with environmental responsibility.
Pang Hing Man Mecissa, who works in youth mental health services, called for stronger social support systems for young people affected by bullying and sexual violence. She said the UN principle of inclusion should be translated into greater empathy and community-level protection.
Ng Siu Yuen highlighted the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals and called for stronger public education on low-carbon living, waste segregation and sustainable consumption.
Yau Ho Laam presented the H.E.A.L. initiative — Healing, Education, Arts and Livelihood — designed to support female refugees and survivors of domestic violence through online education, art therapy and craft-based livelihood opportunities.
Other participants discussed animal conservation, mental health awareness and the need to empower young people to influence their peers and participate in civic life.
Series of Sustainability Forums Planned
The launch ceremony marked the beginning of a proposed series of youth sustainable development forums involving businesses, organisations and young people from different regions and professional backgrounds.
The Mytheast Youth Club said it would deepen collaboration with UNITAR and other partners to promote youth empowerment, international engagement and practical implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The initiative seeks to build a platform through which young people can contribute to policy discussions, international cooperation and community-based sustainability programmes.
