Youth Development and Engagement

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 […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 71 Youth Development — Why a Global Perspective Matters to Young People     As an international city, Hong Kong remains closes liaison with the Mainland and is interconnected with various parts of the world at different aspects. 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 the country and Hong Kong, and equipped with global perspective, an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking.  As society gradually resumes to normalcy, Hong Kong is on the way to reconnect with the world. It is […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 69 Governance What Young People Want for Hong Kong   Vision is an important navigation tool for any organization, in that it enables each member to reach the goal that is set out in the vision. According to the United Nations, there are various values that governments can use to shape vision for policies, including: enhancing the commitment of decision makers; building capacity for new knowledge in the public sector that have the involvement of different stake-holders.[1] In the long term, it would be beneficial for the sustainable development within society and the good governance in government. […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 65 Governance Strengthening the Rule of Law through Education 7 November, 2021     The rule of law is one of the foundations for the civilisation and sustainability of societies. Law establishes the rules, standards and principles that set and guide the behaviour and relationship of members (including the government) within a society. The rule of law is one of the six dimensions of the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), that reviews the extent to which the general public have confidence in, and abide by, the rules of society; the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 61 Governance The Challenges of Civil Servant Talent Development 14 June, 2021     Good public governance relies on people with outstanding talent performing their duties and displaying leadership skills in their positions. In Hong Kong, the Government appoints individuals to the Executive Council, the various advisory bodies, and the political accountable team through the Political Appointment System. The Legislative Council, District Councils, political parties, and other social organisations are the platforms to develop such potential.   According to Hong Kong’s Civil Service Code, the Civil Service is the backbone of the HKSAR Government. It is responsible […]

    Youth I.D.E.A.S. 57 Governance To Stay or To Leave? A Critical Question for Good Governance 30 January, 2021     Emigration is not a new phenomenon to Hong Kong. During recent decades there have been a few waves of emigration, mainly due to the city’s special social background (e.g. the negotiations in the early 1980s about its future, and subsequent political disputes and crises of confidence).   The recent spates of social unrest sparked by the proposed extradition legislation, and coupled with other issues, have revealed many unresolved and deep-rooted tensions within Hong Kong society. This has triggered […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 53 Governance Improving Operations of Advisory Bodies to Better Facilitate Youth Engagement 13 September, 2020     Advisory and Statutory Bodies (ASBs) were already in operation in Hong Kong in the mid-20th century. In accordance with Article 65 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR Government has maintained the same system of establishing advisory bodies by executive authorities. The government appoints suitable members of the public to serve on these bodies. The ASBs provide a platform for public engagement.   There are seven types of ASBs of which there are a current of about 500; the largest number […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 49 Governance Improving Governance by Maximising Effectiveness of Social Media 26 April, 2020     In 2019, an estimated 2.8 billion people were using social media worldwide[1].  The three most popular social media platforms were Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp[2]. In Hong Kong, there are currently 5.8 million active social media users, representing around 78% of the population[3].   It is generally believed that social media provides a tool for governments to disseminate public and policies-related information, as well as to facilitate interaction with citizens. From the perspectives of policy explanation and public connection, using social media effectively […]

    Youth I.D.E.A.S. 45 Governance and Constitutional Development Strengthening the Role and Functions of District Councils 5 September, 2019   In Hong Kong, the District Administration Scheme has been implemented since 1982. The Scheme aims at promoting community development and nurturing civic responsibility and a sense of belonging. One of the elements of the Scheme is the establishment of District Councils (DCs). The election-based nature and front-line community work experience of DCs has made them an important cradle for training the political talent of Hong Kong.   The DCs’ performance, however, has always been criticized. Worse, the number of […]