Youth Development and Engagement

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 77 Youth Development  —— Engaging Young People in National Development 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 […]

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 […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 41 Governance and Constitutional Development Advancing the Honours and Awards System of the HKSAR 28 April, 2019 Many governments around the world award their citizens honours for public or community service, outstanding achievement and sustained contribution to society. This is meant to convey both distinction and recognition and is usually regarded as the highest form of honour for citizenry. There is widespread belief that the presentation of merit-based government honours to individuals helps establish role models for society, encourage greater involvement in public service, and develop a greater sense of belonging. All of these contribute to social stability […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 37 Governance and Constitutional Development Involving the Community in Public Finance Management 20 December, 2018     The process of public finance management is how the government uses and distributes resources. Effective management of public finances is beneficial to the stability and sustainability of society. To support this, effective public participation can help to not only strengthen government policy legitimacy but also aid in building public trust in the government. Various governments and institutional organizations around the world value the importance of, and actively seek, public participation in aspects of public finance management. This includes topics as wide-ranging […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 33 Governance and Constitutional Development Nurturing Talent for Governance 26 August, 2018     Good public governance relies on people with outstanding talents performing their duties and exerting leadership skills in their positions. Those in public office, through making good decisions and effectively using public resources to resolve social problems, improve people’s livelihoods, gain the public’s trust and make society better. Developing a pool of talent for governance is getting more attention, with many governments around the world building talent pools in areas including talent identification, training, practice and experiences retention. Some governments have also strengthened their talent […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 29 Governance and Constitutional Development Enhancing e-Government in the HKSAR 26 April, 2018     e-Government, broadly speaking, is the digitalization of government operations through the use of Internet and the application of Information and Communication Technology (ITC). It provides government with opportunities to deliver more accessible public services of a higher quality. It is generally believed that effective implementation of e-services could enhance the performance of the government. It also helps create a positive public image of the government, providing favourable conditions to maintain good governance.   Since its establishment, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government […]

Youth I.D.E.A.S. 25 Governance and Constitutional Development Building Public Trust in the Government 21 December, 2017     Trust is a precious resource in facilitating interactions among people in any kind of society, including those between the government and its people. It is also a major concern when it comes to good governance. Yet, when looking around the world, challenges to the mutual trust between the government and the public are common. An international survey noted that in 21 out of the 28 countries or areas polled in the survey, people’s trust in government was rated under 50%[1].   In […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 23 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on Togetherness 26 June, 2017     Hong Kong, a city with a long history of diversity, has recently witnessed serious controversy and confrontations over unequal economic development, livelihood issues and the changing political landscape. The deep-rooted problems come into views, which further intensify the fracture of the city.  The cohesion of the society is under great challenge.   Moreover, the city seems to be enveloped in a shroud of animosity.  Some people worry that the basic social values of the Hong Kong society are to be eroded, and […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 19 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on the Performance of Political Appointments 1 March, 2017     The HKSAR Government implemented the Principal Officials Accountability System in 2002.  Under this new system, the chief executive nominated candidates of high personal integrity and ability from inside and outside the civil service for appointment by the Central People’s Government as principal officials.   The primary objectives of the system were the following: to strengthen the accountability of principal officials; to ensure better response to the needs of the community; to enhance coordination in policy formulation; to strengthen […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 15 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on Civil Servant Challenges 30 October, 2016     Civil servants are an essential part of the government, and are vital to maintaining good governance.  They also play an important role in executing policies and striving for public trust, thereby fostering social development and effective governance.   According to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (hereafter called “Basic Law”), public servants are a key component of the HKSAR’s political structure.  The Basic Law stipulates that public servants (including […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 11 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Views on the Roles and Functions of the Legislative Council 29 May, 2016   Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter called “HKSAR”) in 1997, the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (hereafter called “Basic Law”) has come into force.  As stipulated by the Basic Law, the Legislative Council (Legco) is the legislature of the HKSAR, and its main functions are to enact, amend and repeal laws; to examine and approve budgets, taxation and public expenditure; to […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 07 Governance and Constitutional Development Young People’s Perception on Public Consultations 31 January, 2016     Launching public consultation exercises regarding policies or other matters provides a chance for the public to find out more concerning the issues that they are being consulted about and to engage in discussion with the issues.  This helps not only to maintain an open and transparent process of policy formulation, but also to facilitate consensus among the public.  This could also garner the public’s support for or recognition of the policies, which is an important element for good governance.   It […]

  Youth I.D.E.A.S. 03 Governance and Constitutional Development Who is Willing to Take up Positions in Public Affairs? 30 September, 2015     Young people’s participation in society is an important element of sustainable social development because it increases their sense of belonging and commitment to society.  It also allows young people to unleash their creativity and uniqueness, and to help create the society that they envision.  Three decades ago, the United Nations made “Participation, Development, Peace” the theme of the first International Youth Year, defining the role of young people in the participation of national and social affairs, economic […]