The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, took place on 31 July 2026 in Hong Kong, drawing an audience of Consuls-General from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, the Deputy Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit, and leaders from politics, property development, aviation, banking, trade, tourism, finance, innovation, healthcare, law, and education. The event centered on how Hong Kong can effectively implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the achievements of Hong Kong youth in international affairs.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, emphasized the club's dedication to youth development. With support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mytheast Youth Club has organized numerous youth programs and partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP). This program offers young people immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva, equipping them with international perspectives and diplomatic skills. The Launch Ceremony serves as a follow-up to the UNYDP, enabling participants to translate their UN learning into tangible societal contributions and provide policy recommendations for Hong Kong and the nation. Mr. Lam reaffirmed that Mytheast Youth Club will continue to support youth development and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to global sustainable development.
H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, shared Zimbabwe's experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. He noted challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and recurring droughts. Through initiatives like the "Pfumvudza/Intwasa" climate-smart agriculture program, promotion of drought-tolerant traditional grains, improved water management, and integrated farming systems, Zimbabwe has enhanced agricultural productivity and ensured food security. He emphasized that sustainability is an investment that creates jobs, ensures food security, attracts responsible investment, and protects ecosystems, 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 in Hong Kong, delivered a speech on behalf of the Consul General, sharing Nigeria's sustainable development practices. Nigeria has invested in climate-smart farming, promoting drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, and agroforestry to secure food supplies and restore degraded lands. In renewable energy, Nigeria's "Solar Power Naija" initiative aims to deliver clean electricity to millions of households, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating green jobs for youth. She stressed that sustainable development is a practical pathway to prosperity and encouraged Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration.
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 UNYDP as a strategic initiative with UNITAR, one of the few programs granting direct access to core UN resources. He remarked, "If visiting global institutions opens the door to the world of multilateralism, our expert training gives young people the keys to walk through it with confidence." Several UNYDP participants shared their learning outcomes and action plans. Delegate Chu Wai Lun detailed integrating UN training into Hong Kong True Light College, leading experiential learning and conservation initiatives. Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa emphasized youth mental health services, advocating for inclusive values. Mr. Ng Siu Yuen highlighted SDG interconnectedness and low-carbon living. Ms. Yau Ho Laam presented the "H.E.A.L." initiative for female refugees and domestic violence victims. Ms. Wan Man Yan Silver and Ms. Xiao Ting shared visions on animal conservation and youth empowerment.
The Launch Ceremony marks the start of a series of youth sustainable development forums, which will bring together representatives from enterprises, organizations, and young people across regions and industries. The event demonstrated the pathway for Hong Kong youth to actively participate in international affairs as Chinese citizens. Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening exchanges with UNITAR and other partners to promote global sustainable development and youth empowerment, ensuring Hong Kong youth's voice is heard internationally.
