The Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, together with the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, officiated at the International Youth Exchange Sharing Session cum YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025-2026 Annual Ceremony today (April 18).  
      
     The guests attending the event were Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA), Mr Li Yongsheng; the Director-General of the International Department of the OCMFA, Mr Wang Jian; the Deputy Division Chief of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Guanxing; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Mr Kenneth Leung; and YDC members. They listened to the sharing by several YDC Youth Ambassadors and participants of the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange regarding their exchange experiences and learning outcomes. 
      
     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Leung stated that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the YDC collaborate to actively promote international youth exchange, enabling young people to broaden their international horizons and enhance their understanding of the development of the world. The HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange 2025-26 has funded a total of about 90 international exchange projects, benefitting around 2 400 young people. These projects cover more than 40 countries, many of which are located in regions along the Belt and Road. In addition to learning about the history and culture of different places around the world, young people also have the opportunity to visit the official Chinese Government organisations, large-scale enterprises or research institutions, etc. to deepen their understanding of the participation, contribution and influence of the country in international affairs.
      
     Mr Chan said that the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme Annual Ceremony was of great significance, as it served to review the fruitful achievements of the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025 and mark the official commencement of the new cohort of Youth Ambassadors Cadets. He encouraged the youth participants from both cohorts to shine in their respective fields and contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

     The YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme is a flagship youth talent development programme co-organised by the HYAB and the YDC with an aim to identify and groom a cadre of young talents with a sense of responsibility, and with aspirations and potential, as well as with a passion to serve society, and who are willing to strive for the betterment of the country and Hong Kong. Centred on the theme "Youth Leading the Future", this year's programme aims at empowering young people to cultivate a holistic outlook and seizing the future development opportunities of Hong Kong through comprehensive training and unique exposure opportunities. The programme also encourages young people to actively engage in public affairs and participate in local and overseas exchanges, as well as promote the positive image of Hong Kong's young people through social media.
      
     For more information on the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme and the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, please visit the YDC webpage (www.ydc.gov.hk).

Ends/Saturday, April 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:55

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