The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, was held on 31 July 2026 in Hong Kong, bringing together consuls-general from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, and leaders from politics, business, and academia. The event aimed to explore how Hong Kong can effectively implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlight the achievements of Hong Kong youth in international affairs.
The ceremony underscored the importance of youth engagement in sustainable development. Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, noted that 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), which provides immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva. The launch ceremony serves as a follow-up, enabling participants to turn their UN learning into tangible contributions and offer policy recommendations for Hong Kong and the nation.
International perspectives were shared by H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe, who highlighted his country’s climate-smart agriculture programme ‘Pfumvudza/Intwasa’ and community-based natural resource management. He emphasized that sustainability is an investment that creates jobs and ensures food security, and he welcomed Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships in renewable energy and eco-tourism. Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul of Nigeria, spoke about Nigeria’s investments in drought-resistant crops, irrigation, and the ‘Solar Power Naija’ initiative to expand renewable energy. She stressed that sustainable development is a practical pathway to prosperity and encouraged youth to embrace innovation.
Youth participants shared how they are translating their UN training into local action. Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, introduced the UNYDP as one of the few programs granting direct access to UN resources. Delegate Chu Wai Lun, a biology teacher at Hong Kong True Light College, integrates UN training into experiential learning and citizen science programs focused on conserving endangered species. Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa works on youth mental health, advocating for inclusive values. Mr. Ng Siu Yuen called for stronger public education on low-carbon living, while Ms. Yau Ho Laam presented the ‘H.E.A.L.’ initiative for female refugees. Other delegates shared visions on animal conservation and youth empowerment.
The event marked the start of a series of youth sustainable development forums that will bring together representatives from various sectors to share contributions to the SDGs. 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.
