​The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (November 7) hosted the third edition of the Youth Development Summit · Hong Kong. Under the theme "Pioneering New Horizons, Venturing into the Future", the Summit gathered officials responsible for youth policies from various regions, alongside experts and leaders of different sectors as guest speakers. The Summit attracted over 3 300 young people registered to participate, including over 700 of them from the Chinese Mainland and 35 overseas countries such as the United States, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria and Rwanda, enabling them to exchange views and engage in mutual learning on issues of concern to young people.
      
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his opening remarks that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively take forward youth development initiatives under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan), enhance youth development opportunities, and nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and empowered with a global perspective as well as an ambitious and positive mindset. The HKSAR Government will continue to expand young people's international exposure through exchanges, internships and learning experiences, and work with schools and different sectors of the community to cultivate an environment where young people can unleash their potential and shine on the global stage.
      
     At the session on "Shaping the Future with Youth" held this morning, key officials responsible for youth development policies from various regions were invited to share their latest policies and initiatives in engaging young people, nurturing talent, and encouraging social participation, as well as to explore how international collaboration and exchange could create a broader platform for the younger generation, inspiring youths to contribute to national and global development. Keynote speakers were the President of the All-China Youth Federation, Mr Xu Xiao; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; Vice Minister of Education and Sports of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Kingmano Phommahaxay; the Chairman of the Youth and Family Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Kairat Kambaro; the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the People's Republic of China, Lt Gen (Rtd) Karenzi Karake Emmanuel; and the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, Mr Li Junhua.
      
     Miss Mak delivered a keynote speech at the Summit and shared the vision of the HKSAR under Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan in enhancing youth development opportunities, and supporting young people in pursuing their dreams. She highlighted key Government measures and initiatives on youth development which foster a conducive environment for local young people to thrive, and to unleash their full potential.
      
     Miss Mak said the Government would continue to develop the Youth Development Summit as a flagship brand, convening young minds from around the world for exchange year after year. She encouraged young people to step into the new horizons and become the backbone of our long-term economic and social development, and the driving force that will shape our future.
      
     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the Summit and delivered opening remarks. He also hosted a welcome dinner yesterday for officials, guests, and speakers from the Chinese Mainland and overseas visiting Hong Kong for the Summit.
      
     For the live stream of the three thematic sessions in the afternoon, please visit the thematic webpage, www.youthfest.hk/en/summit/.

Ends/Saturday, November 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:08

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