The Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony, organized by Mytheast Youth Club, was held on 31 July 2026 in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a series of forums aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event gathered consuls-general from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Legislative Council members, and leaders from politics, business, academia, and other sectors to explore how Hong Kong can effectively implement the SDGs and showcase youth achievements in international affairs.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, highlighted the club's long-standing dedication to youth development. With support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, the club has organized numerous youth programs and partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP). This program provides 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 initiative, enabling participants to transform their UN learning into tangible contributions to society and offer policy recommendations for Hong Kong and the nation.
The event featured international perspectives on sustainable development. H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe, shared his country's experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. Zimbabwe faces challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and droughts, but through initiatives like the "Pfumvudza/Intwasa" climate-smart agriculture programme and promotion of drought-tolerant grains, it has enhanced agricultural productivity and food security. Mutamba emphasized that sustainability is an investment that creates jobs and protects ecosystems, and he welcomed Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul of Nigeria, delivered a speech on behalf of the Consul General, sharing Nigeria's practices in sustainable development. Nigeria has invested in climate-smart farming, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry, as well as renewable energy projects like the "Solar Power Naija" initiative, which aims to deliver clean electricity to millions of households while creating green jobs. Onuoha encouraged Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration in building a sustainable future.
Youth participants shared their experiences from the UNYDP. Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, recalled his first Model UN conference at age twelve and introduced the UNYDP as a strategic initiative granting young people direct access to UN resources. Delegates presented their action plans: Chu Wai Lun integrates UN training into biology education at Hong Kong True Light College, focusing on experiential learning and conservation; Pang Hing Man Mecissa works on youth mental health, advocating for inclusive values; Ng Siu Yuen called for stronger public education on sustainable development; Yau Ho Laam presented the "H.E.A.L." initiative for female refugees; and others shared visions on animal conservation and youth empowerment.
The launch ceremony marks the official commencement of a series of youth sustainable development forums, which will bring together representatives from enterprises, organizations, and young people across regions. Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening exchanges with UNITAR and other partners to promote global sustainable development and ensure the voice of Hong Kong youth is heard internationally.
