Hong Kong Hosts First Global Youth Sustainability Conference
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN

Summary
Hong Kong recently hosted the first Global Youth Conference, gathering youth representatives from 12 countries and regions alongside educators, scholars, experts and consular officials to discuss sustainable development. Held under the theme “Education for a Sustainable Future,” the conference centred on how education and innovation can help address global challenges and support a more sustainable future. The event was academically guided by the International Centre for UNESCO ASPnet, hosted by 21st Century Media and Education, and co-organised by China Daily Hong Kong Limited and the Hong Kong Arts Exchange Association. Its opening ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre also drew consular representatives from eight countries, underlining the event’s international profile
Key Points
- The conference created an international platform for young people to exchange views on sustainable development, artificial intelligence, cultural understanding and social innovation
- Youth delegates from 12 countries and regions attended with educators, scholars, experts and consular representatives in Hong Kong
- Consular representatives at the opening ceremony came from Brunei, the Philippines, Iran, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan and Russia
- China Daily Deputy Editor-in-Chief Zhou Li said young people’s vision and capacity for action will be crucial in tackling global challenges
- UNESCO regional office director Professor Shahbaz Khan said education underpins the Sustainable Development Goals and called for stronger youth participation in decisions and action
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the conference reinforces the city’s role as a meeting point for international dialogue on education, sustainability and innovation. It also gives local youth and institutions greater visibility in cross-border discussions on climate action, artificial intelligence and social leadership