Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday unveiled a litany of youth development initiatives in his Policy Address, including plans to build more housing for young people and providing greater opportunities for them to work in the Greater Bay Area.

To meet the housing needs of young people, Lee told lawmakers that the government would launch more starter homes projects in the coming financial year, as he noted that more than 85 percent of past applicants were aged 40 or below. Starter homes are offered to first-time buyers who don't qualify for other kind of subsidised housing but who can't afford to buy private flats.

Lee said authorities would also seek to increase the supply of youth hostel spaces, with the target of providing about 3,000 more within five years. Tenants will pay about 60 percent of market rent but will be expected to carry out voluntary work in the community.

A pilot scheme will be launched to identify suitable land sale sites and require developers to set aside a certain number of flats as youth hostels.

Meanwhile, Lee noted that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, led by Alice Mak, would publish an unprecedented Youth Development Blueprint this year, with the objective of nurturing young people who love China and Hong Kong.

“We will give young people our love and care, attach importance to their whole-person development, and provide them with an enabling environment to cherish a hope for the future and strive for continuous growth, he said.

“So that they could unleash their full potential in society and contribute to Hong Kong, our country and the world,” Lee added.

He said the government would engage the young in public affairs and enhance their interaction with and trust in the administration by having young people serve on more advisory committees and encouraging the youth to participate in district affairs.

An annual Hong Kong Youth Festival will be held starting next year, with different sectors of the community invited to jointly organise activities to engage young people and help them develop their potential, enhance their knowledge, and share their experience.

The government will also regularise the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme and encourage participating enterprises to recruit and deploy university graduates from Hong Kong to work in the Greater Bay Area, he said.