Government representatives, diplomats, legislators, academics and youth leaders gathered in Hong Kong on Friday (July 31) for the launch of the Youth Sustainable Development International Summit, where speakers called for stronger international collaboration and greater youth participation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organized by the Mytheast Youth Club, the event brought together around 100 participants from the political, business and education sectors, alongside representatives of foreign consulates and young delegates who recently completed the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP) in Geneva.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Lam Chi-wing, Chairman of the Mytheast Youth Club and Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress, said the organization has long been committed to nurturing globally minded young people through international exchange programmes.
He noted that the UNYDP, jointly organized with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), provides HK youth with immersive learning opportunities and exposure to international governance. The newly launched summit, he said, extends those efforts by creating a platform for dialogue on topics ranging from sustainable development and education to trade, finance and public policy.
Looking ahead, Lam said the organization would continue empowering young people and encouraging more HK youth to step onto the international stage while contributing Chinese perspectives to global sustainable development.
Representatives from African consulates also shared their countries' experiences in addressing sustainability challenges.
Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, outlined how Zimbabwe has responded to climate change and recurring drought through climate-smart agriculture, integrated farming systems, water management and community-based natural resource management.
He described sustainability as "an investment rather than a cost", saying environmental protection can go hand in hand with economic growth. He also expressed hope for closer cooperation with HK in areas including climate-smart agriculture, food processing, renewable energy and ecotourism.
Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul (Head of Chancery / Education) of Nigeria in Hong Kong, highlighted Nigeria's efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and climate adaptation.
She cited the country's solar power initiative, which aims to expand access to clean electricity while creating green jobs, saying sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The summit also featured sharing sessions by UNYDP participants, who reflected on their experiences at the United Nations Office in Geneva and how the programme had shaped their understanding of global governance.
UNYDP participants also shared how their experiences at the United Nations Office in Geneva shaped their understanding of global governance and sustainable development. Drawing on their involvement in youth mental health services, support for students with special educational needs and advocacy for vulnerable groups, participants highlighted that safeguarding young people requires collective efforts from across society, with greater awareness and earlier intervention needed to ensure that no young person is left behind.
They also reflected on a sustainability simulation during the programme, which demonstrated the interconnected nature of the SDGs and the importance of holistic governance and international collaboration.
Inspired by Geneva's environmental practices, participants expressed their commitment to promoting sustainability education in HK and fostering cross-sector partnerships in line with SDG 17–Partnerships for the Goals.
Speaking at the event, Mac Mai, Co-founder of GBAMUN, stressed the importance of preparing young people for global leadership.
He said the UNYDP offers participants direct exposure to international organizations in Geneva, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside training in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking and the SDGs delivered by serving UN diplomats and UNITAR experts.
Mai said investing in young people means investing in the future, adding that the programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence and international perspective needed to contribute to global governance and sustainable development.
Organizers said the summit aims to build a platform connecting government, businesses, international organizations and young people, enabling HK's next generation to strengthen their global competence and contribute to sustainable development in HK, the country and the wider international community.
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