In an era of globalisation, the world has become more interconnected through interdependence and increased competition. Geopolitics, economic development, climate change, and public health have become issues that require global solutions. As young people are the future of the world, it is crucial for them to have an overall global perspective of the trends in world development.

Nurturing a global perspective in young people has received increasing attention around the world. An international survey conducted in 2017 showed that 57% of the youth polled see themselves as global citizens^[1]. An overseas study identified the ability to operate globally as being one of the major skills in greatest demand in the future^[2]. Many governments and international organisations have invested in various schemes to encourage young people to explore different cultures.

As an international city, Hong Kong retains both a close connection with Mainland China and different parts of the world. The National 14th Five Year Plan supports the development of Hong Kong in eight key areas^[3]. In his speech delivered last year in Hong Kong (2022), President Xi mentioned the need to guide young people to be keenly aware of the trends in both China and the world and help them cultivate a sense of national pride and enhance their awareness of their status as masters of the country^[4]. A global perspective is necessary for the youth of this city, to help them respond to new trends in the global environment, pursue aspirations and explore new directions for personal growth, as well as enable them to play a more active role as future global citizens.

The HKSAR Government, in its first edition Youth Development Blueprint, mentioned that its vision is to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for our country and Hong Kong and equipped with global perspective, and aspiring mind-set and positive thinking^[5]. As society returns to normal, Hong Kong is reconnecting with the world. It is worth examining what the Government and society could do to meet the needs and expectations of the younger generation to expand and enrich their global perspective.

^[1] The Western Union Company. (2017). Globalization: A World View of the Future.

^[2] Oxford Economics. (2021). Global Talent 2021. The report (Global Talent 2021) refers global operating skill to cultural sensitivity, foreign language skills, ability to work in multiple overseas locations, understanding international business, etc.

^[3] The People’s Republic of China. (2021). 14th Five-Year Plan. March 2021.

^[4] Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Of The State Council. (2022). Website. The speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 2022-07-01. For the English version, visit The State Council’s Website at http://english.www.gov.cn/news/topnews/202207/02/content_WS62bf8de6c6d02e533532d147.html

^[5] The Government of the HKSAR. (2022). Youth Development Blueprint.

In conducting this study, data was collected between February and April 2023 through: an onsite survey of 522 young people (aged 15 to 34); 18 parallel-case interviews with similar individuals; and exclusive interviews with 6 academics and experts.