The following is issued on behalf of the Youth Development Commission:
 
     The Youth Development Commission (YDC) warmly welcomed the strategies and policy initiatives on supporting youth development in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address (the Policy Address) delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 16).
 
     The Vice-Chairman of the YDC, Mr Kenneth Leung, said, "Both Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address attach great importance to youth development with clear directions and pragmatic measures. I fully agree with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's emphasis in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan on enhancing youth development opportunities and supporting young people in pursuing their dreams, with a stepped-up focus on youth exchanges, internships, employment and entrepreneurship, and on nurturing talent who can serve the needs of our country and leverage the strengths of Hong Kong. Through a wide variety of activities, we strive to inspire young people to unleash their potential, pass on the spirit of loving our country and Hong Kong, and activate international youth exchanges and collaboration."
 
     He expressed support for the series of youth development measures introduced by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address. He added, "The youth development measures put forward in the Policy Address are very comprehensive. These comprise, on the one hand, the establishment of the 'International Youth Talent Exchange Bases' and the strengthening of co-operation with international organisations such as the United Nations and the International Organization for Mediation, thereby empowering young people to go global; while on the other hand, the expansion of youth internships and training activities in key areas such as finance, aerospace technology, high-end scientific research and AI, as well as the enhancement of the 'HYAB Youth Start-up Internship Programme'. I also welcome the Government's efforts in deepening youth patriotic education and its continued support for young people in broadening their international perspectives, participating deeply in the development of the Greater Bay Area, and better integrating into and serving the overall national development."
 
     He said he appreciated the Government listening attentively and accepting suggestions raised by members of the YDC. He said that the YDC would continue to work proactively and closely with the Government and different sectors of society to follow up on the implementation of relevant policy initiatives in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, the Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint to promote youth development on all fronts.
 
     Chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, the YDC strives to enhance policy co-ordination within the Government for promoting youth development and enable a more holistic and effective examination of and discussion on issues of concern to young people. Since its establishment, the YDC has implemented a wide spectrum of programmes to promote youth exchanges, internships, entrepreneurship, life planning, positive thinking and more. It has also actively supported the Government in formulating and implementing the Youth Development Blueprint to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and are equipped with a global perspective, an aspiring mindset and positive thinking.

Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:48

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