The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, convened in Hong Kong on 31 July 2026, assembling Consuls-General of Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, and leaders from various sectors including politics, property, aviation, and finance. The event aimed to explore effective implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcase achievements of Hong Kong youth in international affairs.
Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, emphasized the club's dedication to youth development, supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government. The club has partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP), offering immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva. The launch ceremony serves as a follow-up, enabling participants to translate UN learning into societal contributions and policy recommendations. Lam reaffirmed the club's commitment to supporting youth development and contributing Chinese wisdom to global sustainable development.
H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe, shared Zimbabwe's experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. He highlighted challenges like land degradation and climate change, and initiatives such as the climate-smart agriculture programme and promotion of drought-tolerant grains. He stressed that sustainability is an investment creating jobs, ensuring food security, and attracting responsible investment, inviting Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul of Nigeria, presented Nigeria's sustainable development practices on behalf of the Consul General. Nigeria has invested in climate-smart farming, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry to secure food supplies and restore degraded lands. In renewable energy, the "Solar Power Naija" initiative aims to deliver clean electricity to millions, reducing fossil fuel reliance and creating green jobs. She encouraged Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future.
Youth participants shared their UNYDP experiences. Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, recalled his first Model UN conference and introduced UNYDP as a strategic initiative offering direct access to UN resources. He emphasized that expert training gives young people confidence to engage in multilateralism. Delegate Chu Wai Lun detailed integrating UN training into Hong Kong True Light College, leading initiatives on experiential learning and conservation. Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa highlighted mental health frontline work, advocating for inclusive values. Mr. Ng Siu Yuen discussed SDG interconnectedness, calling for public education on low-carbon living. Ms. Yau Ho Laam presented the "H.E.A.L." initiative supporting female refugees and domestic violence victims. Ms. Wan Man Yan and Ms. Xiao Ting shared visions on animal conservation and youth development, respectively.
The launch ceremony marks the start of a series of youth sustainable development forums, bringing together representatives from enterprises and organizations across regions to share contributions. The event demonstrated Hong Kong youth's active participation in international affairs as Chinese citizens. Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with UNITAR and other partners, ensuring the voice of Hong Kong youth is heard globally.
