The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups has called on the government to include a dedicated chapter on youth development in the city’s five-year plan.

This came as a think tank set up by the federation, Youth IDEAS, surveyed more than 650 young people in July, and found over 60 percent of them believe the blueprint is relevant to their individual development.

The survey found that more than half of the respondents placed people's livelihoods and social development as the top priority.

It also revealed that many youngsters are concerned about high living costs, the financial burden of housing, and competition in the job market.

The survey also showed that more than 60 percent of respondents thought that the authorities did not offer adequate explanations on youth policies.

John Poon, convenor of the think tank's youth development and engagement group, said young people are key stakeholders in the SAR’s development.

He appealed to authorities to further support youth development.

“The nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan has a specific chapter on youth development, so we hope the SAR government can also include a youth chapter in the five-year blueprint,” he said.

“The aim is to send a signal to society that the government is willing to actively invest in young people. We also hope the government can let the public know the specific policies in the five-year plan.”

On development in the Northern Metropolis, Poon said many young people placed emphasis on living facilities and job competitiveness there.

He called on the government to set up a youth-friendly zone in the Northern Metropolis to attract youngsters.


Edited by Aaron Tam