Since reform and opening up, our country has made great strides in many fields of industry. It does, however, also face considerable challenges. As a part of the country, Hong Kong has benefitted from the country’s development while also playing its part in the process. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong has become closer aligned with the country ’s development. The Central Government, in different important documents, has clearly positioned Hong Kong’s future development, including its integration into the overall development of the country.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As a nation will prosper only when its young people thrive, Hong Kong’s young generation have important responsibilities in the country’s development. It is timely and important to understand how they perceive their relationship to the country’s development, their willingness to participate in the process, and their thoughts on the current measures that facilitate youth participation. This topic deserves the attention of all those who care about youth development, Hong Kong’s future, and the prospects of the country.
Against this background, this research examines what young people think about national development and the values or attitudes that they hold. It also identifies key factors that influence and help encourage the youth’s participation in it, with the aim of providing feasible recommendations that could engage youth in national development.
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Research Background
Since reform and opening up, our country has made great strides in many fields of industry. It does, however, also face considerable challenges. As a part of the country, Hong Kong has benefitted from the country's development while also playing its part in the process. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong has become closer aligned with the country ’s development. The Central Government, in different important documents, has clearly positioned Hong Kong’s future development, including its integration into the overall development of the country.
The country continues to advance, and Hong Kong society needs to progress as well. It is believed that the active participation of Hong Kong's younger generation would be of significant benefit to the country, the territory, and to individuals. Given the difference in social environments and experiences of different generations, young people will have different attitudes and considerations towards participating in national development.
In his speech delivered in Hong Kong when the current SAR Government was established, President Xi mentioned the need to guide young people to be keenly aware of the trends in both China and the world. He also hoped that all of Hong Kong’s young people could devote themselves to building. Hong Kong into a better home[1]. The Youth Development Blueprint, launched by the current SAR Government, examined the challenges of young people. These included knowing more about the history of our country to strengthen their sense of national awareness, and the desire to have their voices heard and respected.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. As a nation will prosper only when its young people thrive, Hong Kong’s young generation have important responsibilities in the country's development. It is timely and important to understand how they perceive their relationship to the country's development, their willingness to participate in the process, and their thoughts on the current measures that facilitate youth participation. This topic deserves the attention of all those who care about youth development, Hong Kong's future, and the prospects of the country.
Against this background, this research examines what young people think about national development and the values or attitudes that they hold. It also identifies key factors that influence and help encourage the youth’s participation in it, with the aim of providing feasible recommendations that could engage youth in national development.
[1] 國務院港澳事務辦公室。2022。網頁。「習近平在慶祝香港回歸祖國25周年大會暨香港特別行政區第六屆政府就職典禮上的講話(全文)」。2022-07-01。
Research Method
This study uses data collected between March to April 2024 through: an onsite survey of 520 young people (aged 15 to 34); parallel-case interviews with 18 individuals; and one-to-one interviews with 5 academics and experts.
Main Discussion