Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2025 today (October 20):
 
Dr Kevin Lau (Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy), distinguished guests, young leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my pleasure to join you all today at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2025. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy for your unwavering commitment to empowering young talent and building bridges across borders. Bringing together such a vibrant and diverse group from over 30 nationalities is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your vision.

     Standing here in Hong Kong, a city where East meets West, and where tradition meets innovation, I am reminded of our city's unique role as a global crossroads. Just as Hong Kong has long been connecting people and ideas from across the world, today's summit brings together bright minds and ambitious spirits, symbolising the energy and promise of Hong Kong and our youth.

     This is a time of both challenges and opportunities for young professionals. The world you are navigating is fast changing. Geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, rapid advances in technology, and issues like climate change, gender and public health are reshaping the global landscape. The digital revolution has further hastened the pace and impact of changes. What happens in one corner of the world can quickly ripple across the globe.

     For young people nowadays, these changes may spark unease. But they also create new horizons. For example, in Hong Kong, our city's unique position under "one country, two systems" gives us unmatched advantages in connecting with both the Mainland and the wider world. With national strategies like the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Greater Bay Area, there are new opportunities in fields such as finance, healthcare, technology, and the creative industries. The future is not just something to wait for. It is something our younger generation is already helping to shape.

     But to seize these opportunities, I encourage you to keep an open and forward-looking mindset. Think beyond your own field and even your own city. Engage with the pressing issues of our times, whether it is the rise of AI, the need for sustainable development, or the need to bridge divides among cultures. By telling your stories, listening to and seeking to understand others, you can help build a global community founded on respect, innovation, and shared purposes.

     Let me share a quick example from my own field, the legal profession, which has undergone profound changes thanks to lawtech and AI. Tasks that once took hours, like document review or drafting contracts, can now be completed in minutes. This has brought significant gains in efficiency, affordability, and access to justice. But it also challenges us to rethink our roles and responsibilities, to safeguard trust, privacy, and fairness even as we embrace innovation. 

     Regardless of your professional fields or interests, the lesson is the same: Technology is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace the human qualities that matter most, such as empathy, judgment, and integrity. As you move forward, keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and remember the value of your own voice.

     Dear friends, the future truly is in your hands. Think big, think boldly. Don't be afraid to reach beyond what seems possible. Your determination and creativity will be the impetus for the future development of our city and the world.

     I wish you all a rewarding and enjoyable Summit. Thank you very much.

Ends/Monday, October 20, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:35

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