Increasing Youth Involvement in District Governance
Youth I.D.E.A.S. 74
Youth Development — Increasing Youth Involvement in District Governance
Effective district governance is crucial for promoting the well-being of people and maintaining good governance as it is the local community level that is most closely connected with the daily life of citizens. It is also the place where government implements policies and provides services. The soon upcoming District Council Ordinary Election (in December 2023) is the first large-scale territory-wide election to be held after improvements in the district governance system and the reform of the District Councils. How young people think about their relationship with the community and their expectations of District Councils?
The Youth I.D.E.A.S. has conducted research about “Increasing Youth Involvement in District Governance”. Data was collected during September to October 2023, and the research report has been published recently.
Publication
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Research Background
Effective district governance is crucial for promoting the well-being of people and maintaining good governance as it is the local community level that is most closely connected with the daily life of citizens. It is also the place where government implements policies and provides services. As such it directly impacts the overall quality of life for the public in relation to their opinions, concerns, and how it encourages the active participation of citizens.
In Hong Kong, the SAR Government has been carrying out this work through the District Administrative Scheme. The Government also encourages young people to take part in building their communities.
The soon upcoming District Council Ordinary Election (in December 2023) is the first large-scale territory-wide election to be held after improvements in the district governance system and the reform of the District Councils. These have always been an important platform for citizens participation and are crucial in assisting the Government to implement district governance. In this new era, it is believed that this election would capture the attention of the city. Against this background, this research examines what young people think about their relationship with the community and their expectations of District Councils.
Research Method
In conducting this study, data was collected between September and October 2023 through: an onsite survey of 526 young people (aged 18 to 34); parallel-case interviews with 20 individuals; and one-to-one interviews with 3 academics and experts.
Main Discussion
- A strategy to promote district governance with three main dimensions: promoting public education, assessing performance, and reflecting public opinion.
- Launching a thematic-based community scheme where each District Council selects local issues and submits research proposals. The Government can prioritise these proposals and provide funding. Through strengthening the District Council members' ability to identify and lead local discussions, this initiative aims to promote higher quality development of the district, and assist the Government to implement effective district governance.
- Three measures to enhance the participation of youth from different interests or backgrounds to connect more with their districts.
