Chief Executive John Lee on Monday said the future of the city's young people is one of the central components of Hong Kong's first five-year plan and the Policy Address he announced last month.

Speaking in a video message at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, Lee said the younger generation would not only benefit from the city's reforms and development, it would also be the driving force behind them.

"For you, Hong Kong is where careers are built, talent is nurtured, and global horizons are within reach," Lee said.

The chief executive highlighted the Northern Metropolis as key to the city's development, describing it as a piece of land taking up one-third of Hong Kong's area that will potentially be home to a third of the population.

Three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling are at its heart, integrating education, technology, industry and talent cultivation, he said.

Beyond the Northern Metropolis, Lee also said young people could find opportunities from a new United Nations Youth Leaders Internship Programme offering placements at UN agencies, as well as expanded mainland internship and training schemes in finance, aerospace and cutting-edge research.

Lee said the government and the business sector would also jointly launch a youth employment and internship programme offering 30,000 places over the next two years.

"For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties," Lee said.

He added the government would join hands with all sectors to build platforms for young people to thrive in Hong Kong, across the country and on the global stage.




Edited by Tony Sabine