The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, convened in Hong Kong on 31 July 2026, drawing an audience of Consuls-General from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, and leaders from politics, business, and academia. The event underscored the role of Hong Kong youth in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcased their achievements in international affairs.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, emphasized the club's longstanding commitment to youth development. With support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mytheast Youth Club has partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP), which offers immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva. The launch ceremony serves as a follow-up, enabling participants to translate their UN experiences into tangible contributions and policy recommendations for Hong Kong and the nation. Mr. Lam reaffirmed the club's dedication to supporting youth and contributing Chinese wisdom to global sustainable development.
H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, shared his country's experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. Facing challenges such as land degradation and climate change, Zimbabwe has implemented the "Pfumvudza/Intwasa" climate-smart agriculture programme, promoting drought-tolerant grains and improved water management. He stressed that sustainability is an investment that creates jobs and ensures food security, and welcomed Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships in climate-smart agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul (Head of Chancery / Education) of the Consulate General of Nigeria, spoke on behalf of the Consul General, outlining Nigeria's sustainable development practices. Nigeria has invested in climate-smart farming, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry to secure food supplies and restore degraded lands. In renewable energy, the "Solar Power Naija" initiative aims to deliver clean electricity to millions of households, creating green jobs for youth. She emphasized that sustainable development is a practical pathway to prosperity and encouraged Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration.
Youth participants shared how they are applying their UN training locally. Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, recalled his first Model United Nations conference at age twelve, which inspired his dedication to youth international education. He introduced the UNYDP as a strategic initiative granting young people direct access to core UN resources. Delegate Chu Wai Lun, Biology Panel Head at Hong Kong True Light College, integrates UN training into his school's curriculum, focusing on experiential learning and conservation of endangered Chinese species. Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa, working in youth mental health, called for inclusive values to be brought back to Hong Kong to support vulnerable youth. Mr. Ng Siu Yuen highlighted the interconnectedness of the SDGs, drawing on UN simulations and Geneva's low-carbon practices. Ms. Yau Ho Laam presented the "H.E.A.L." initiative supporting female refugees and domestic violence victims. Ms. Wan Man Yan Silver and Ms. Xiao Ting shared visions on animal conservation and youth development, respectively.
The launch ceremony marks the beginning of a series of youth sustainable development forums, aiming to bring together representatives from various sectors to share efforts and contributions. Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with UNITAR and other partners, ensuring that the voice of Hong Kong youth is heard on the international stage.
