2023 youthfest@HK programme officially kicks off (with photos)

     The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (July 26) officiated at the 2023 youthfest@HK (festival) Kick-off Ceremony to unveil a series of exciting and diversified youth activities.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan remarked that since the current-term Government took office, it has attached great importance to youth development, and released the first edition of the Youth Development Blueprint (Blueprint) last year. One of the key projects of the Blueprint is the festival. Bringing together the strength of the Government and different sectors of the community, the festival engages young people to enhance their knowledge, realise their potential, share experience and enrich their lives through various activities.  
 
     The theme of the festival is "Positive Thinking", and the slogan is "Ignite Youth Power". Mr Chan said that young people are the future, hope and pillars of Hong Kong, and they are also the engine that drives the long-term development of society and the economy. Cultivating positive thinking from an early age is very important for their growth and success. While ups and downs are inevitable in the long road of life, it is important to face them positively and optimistically. Only by strengthening their confidence to face difficulties can young people ride the wind and waves and set sail.
 
     Mr Chan added that under the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the festival is organising more than 100 all-encompassing activities to promote positive thinking among young people on all fronts. He encouraged young people to participate in the various festival activities and appealed to all sectors of the community to support and take part in the festival.
 
     Partner events organised by community groups and organisations in support of the festival will be included in the official event calendar upon approval of their applications, which will be uploaded to the dedicated webpage for wider publicity. Special appreciation goes to to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation in sponsoring a number of events under the festival.
 
     Also officiating at the Kick-off Ceremony were the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Wallace Lau; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission, Mr Kenneth Leung; the Convenor of the Action Group on Youth Festival, Youth Development Commission, Mr Andy Kwok; and Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Lester Huang. Representatives from various participating organisations also attended the event.
 
     For the latest updates of the events under the festival programme, please visit the thematic webpage, www.youthfest.hk.