​Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Youth Development Summit today (September 27):

Distinguished guests and government officials from around the world, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning, everyone! A heartfelt welcome to Hong Kong and this second edition of the Youth Development Summit.

     I spoke at last year's inaugural edition of the Summit and was delighted with the great turnout – innovators and change-makers taking part from all over the world. 

     Well, this year's Summit, I'm happy to say, is even bigger, counting more than 3 000 young leaders. You're here from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, from East and Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. 

     And your presence here today is a testament to the growing eagerness of young people, worldwide, to come together and learn from one another, creating prospects for a more connected and prosperous global community. And this year's theme, "Connecting the World into the Future," reflects that encouraging reality. 

     Your participation highlights our shared commitment to promoting youth development – in Hong Kong, across the Belt and Road regions and around the world.

     The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government attaches great importance to youth. Our Youth Development Blueprint, released in late 2022, outlines our guiding principles for advancing youth development, as well as charting a clear pathway for stakeholders everywhere. 

     Our vision is to nurture a new generation of youth equipped with a global perspective, a positive thinking mindset and an affection for our city and our country.

     Since the release of the Blueprint, more than 250 concrete actions and measures have been put forward, providing young people with wide-ranging opportunities and support.

     And just 10 days ago, the Chief Executive delivered his annual Policy Address. It includes a number of measures to promote youth development. Among them, a Young Talent Training Programme will expand opportunities for our youth to attend conferences and take part in the internships of international organisations.

     There will also be a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland, a strengthened Youth Financial Education Programme, and new professional mediation workshops to help broaden young people's international perspectives and cultivate a global mindset.

     Exchange programmes for youth will also be stepped up, encouraging young people from overseas and the mainland to visit Hong Kong on exchange. Our Youth Post hostel, open now on a trial basis, officially opens later this year, providing affordable accommodation for young people, as well as a wide range of youth-focused activities and events. The goal is to encourage exchanges between Hong Kong youth and young visitors from around the world.

     This Summit is among the Youth Development Blueprint's initiatives. It brings together 20 prominent speakers, including young entrepreneurs, athletes, business professionals from I&T (Innovation and Technology) and the creative and service industries, and government and institutional leaders. I know their passion, experience and innovative insights will inspire us all.

     To you, our youth participants, this Summit is your Summit, yours to offer, and learn about, innovative solutions, create global connections and expand your horizons. 

     The future belongs to you, and by taking part in today's Summit, you are one step closer to turning your ideas into tangible realities.

     Sports, and sportsmanship, is an integral element of youth – and this Summit. Sportsmanship encourages respect, fairness, integrity and teamwork.

     The 15th National Games will be held November 9 to 21, with Hong Kong hosting the Games together with Guangdong and Macao. Hong Kong will stage eight events: basketball, beach volleyball, fencing, golf, handball, rugby sevens, track cycling and triathlon.

     I invite you all to join us, in November, for this world-class sports competition, the many cultural events accompanying it and all the excitement of Hong Kong, Asia's world city.

     I am grateful to this year's Summit speakers, and to all of you, here in Hong Kong contribute your time, energy and ideas to create a better, more connected, world. Let us remember that lasting connectivity demands more than technology or infrastructure alone can offer. Empathy, understanding and a shared purpose, are no less essential.

     I am confident that, working together, we can empower a generation that is resilient, resourceful and ready to build a bright future for all.

     I wish all a rewarding Summit and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, the world's East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00

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