The Youth Development Commission (YDC) welcomed the initiatives on promoting youth development in the "The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address" delivered by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 25).
 
     The Vice-chairman of the YDC, Mr Lau Ming-wai, supported the Government's initiatives in the Policy Address in relation to addressing young people's concerns about education, career pursuits and home ownership, and encouraging their participation in politics as well as public policy discussion and debate, in particular the newly introduced "Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme", measures to step up support for entrepreneurship by Hong Kong young people, and the new initiative to promote youth outdoor adventure training activities.
 
     Mr Lau said, "In the face of the social and economic impact brought about by the unstable epidemic situation over the past year, we should pay even more attention to young people's well-being and let them see a more promising future for development. I am very pleased that the Chief Executive has introduced new initiatives in the Policy Address to assist young people in developing their careers and enriching themselves, encouraging them to seize opportunities and explore more diversified pathways."

     He expressed appreciation of the Government's acceptance of suggestions raised by members of the YDC, and said that the YDC would work proactively and closely with the Government and stakeholders to follow up on and implement relevant new measures to take forward youth development.
 
     Chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the YDC oversees the formulation and co-ordination of youth policies with a view to enabling a holistic and more effective examination of and discussion on issues of concern to young people, especially those related to education, career pursuits and home ownership, and participation in politics as well as public policy discussion and debate. Since its establishment, the YDC has implemented a wide spectrum of programmes to promote youth exchanges, internship, entrepreneurship, life planning and more, so as to help young people create diverse development opportunities. In addition, the YDC is keen on gauging young people's views through various channels, including organising online policy thematic meetings starting from this year as a new attempt to strengthen communication with young people.

Ends/Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:28

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