The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, convened on 31 July 2026 in Hong Kong, uniting political, business, and academic leaders to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event featured Consuls-General from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, and the Deputy Head of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit, alongside leaders from property development, aviation, banking, trade, tourism, finance, innovation, healthcare, law, and education.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, underscored the club's dedication to youth development. With support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mytheast Youth Club has partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP). This initiative offers immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva, equipping young people with international perspectives and diplomatic skills. The launch ceremony serves as a follow-up, enabling participants to translate their UN learning into societal contributions and policy recommendations. Mr. Lam reaffirmed the club's commitment to supporting youth and contributing Chinese wisdom to global sustainability.
H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe, shared his country's experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. Zimbabwe confronts land degradation, climate change, and recurrent droughts. Through programs like the 'Pfumvudza/Intwasa' climate-smart agriculture initiative, promotion of drought-tolerant grains, and improved water management, Zimbabwe has boosted agricultural productivity and food security. He emphasized that sustainability is an investment, creating jobs and protecting ecosystems, and welcomed Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships in climate-smart agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul of Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria's sustainable development practices on behalf of the Consul General. Nigeria invests in climate-smart farming, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry to secure food supplies and restore degraded lands. In renewable energy, projects like 'Solar Power Naija' aim to deliver clean electricity to millions, reducing fossil fuel reliance and creating green jobs. She stressed that sustainable development is a practical pathway to prosperity, encouraging Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration.
Youth participants shared their UNYDP experiences. Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, recalled his first Model UN conference at age twelve, which inspired his dedication to youth international education. He introduced UNYDP as a strategic initiative with UNITAR, one of the few programs granting direct access to UN resources. He remarked, 'If visiting global institutions opens the door to the world of multilateralism, our expert training gives young people the keys to walk through it with confidence.'
Delegate Chu Wai Lun described integrating UN training into Hong Kong True Light College, where he leads experiential learning and conservation of endangered Chinese species. 'Education is not merely about imparting knowledge,' he said, 'It is about cultivating empathy, evidence-based thinking, and the agency to change the world.' Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa, who works in youth mental health, called for societal consensus to support vulnerable youth. Mr. Ng Siu Yuen highlighted the interconnectedness of SDGs, referencing Geneva's low-carbon practices. Ms. Yau Ho Laam presented the 'H.E.A.L.' initiative for female refugees and domestic violence victims. Ms. Wan Man Yan and Ms. Xiao Ting advocated for animal conservation and youth empowerment, respectively.
The launch ceremony marks the beginning of a series of youth sustainable development forums, which will bring together representatives from enterprises and organizations to share their contributions. Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with UNITAR and other partners to promote global sustainable development and ensure Hong Kong youth have a voice on the international stage.
