News

Hong Kong, 22 August 2026 – On 22 August, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) held the Appointment Ceremony of the UNICEF Young Envoys Programme 2026 and presented certificates to participants of the "SDG Actioners" for Ethnic Minority Youth Programme 2025-26, in recognition of their dedication to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving positive social change.

Mr Ho Kai Ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Fiona Zhuang, Member of the Advocacy Committee at UNICEF HK, Mr Sammy Yeung, Commissioner for Climate Change of Environment and Ecology Bureau, and Mr Wei Aiguo, Managing Director of AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co., Ltd., presented certificates to the Young Envoys and ethnic minority youth, acknowledging their tireless efforts in advocating for children's rights and contribution to community action initiatives.

During the ceremony, the Young Envoys showcased their achievements and insights gained through overseas exchanges and community projects. By actively putting the concepts of the UNICEF's Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) into practice, they highlighted the importance of providing children and young people with safe and meaningful platforms to express their views. They also called on all sectors of society to work together to create an environment that empower young people to express their opinions and participate in decision-making process, ensuring that every child's voice is heard and respected.

Mr Ho Kai Ming reaffirmed the Government's commitment to child well-being and youth development. He encouraged young leaders to apply their global perspectives within the community, create positive impact through practical actions, and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive, and child-friendly Hong Kong.

Ms. Fiona Zhuang praised the Young Envoys for translating their passion for child rights into action. She noted that immersive learning experiences and international exchanges had not only broadened their global perspectives but also strengthened their sense of social responsibility and leadership potential.

Mr Sammy Yeung called on youth to adopt low-carbon lifestyles, actively promote climate action within their communities, and serve as green pioneers supporting Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

As the sole sponsor of the Programmes, Mr Wei Aiguo, Managing Director of AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co., Ltd., highly commended the youth for the environmental awareness, climate resilience, and teamwork demonstrated during their field trips. He noted that these qualities are essential foundations for driving positive change in the community.

Since its establishment in 1996, the UNICEF HK Young Envoys Programme has been committed to deepening local youth's understanding of global children's rights to survival, development, and participation. This year's ceremony holds special significance, marking the milestone 30th anniversary of the scheme and witnessing three decades of nurturing youth leaders who care deeply about children's rights.

As this year's scheme draws to a successful close, recruitment for the new cohort of Young Envoys will officially launch in October. UNICEF HK encourages the public to actively share recruitment information with young people, uniting youth power to build a brighter tomorrow together.

The ‘SDG Actioner Challenge’ programme was launched by UNICEF HK since 2023, focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13): Climate Action, with the aims to motivate ethnic minority youth to bring about changes in their communities, and raise awareness of climate change. Through workshops, field tours and other activities, the programme equips and encourages ethnic minority youth to design climate action projects that promote sustainable lifestyle, cultivate their global citizenship, and empower them to make a positive impact on society, fostering community inclusion.

Group photo featuring distinguished guests, Young Envoys, and the "SDG Actioners" ethnic minority youth.

Ms Fiona Zhuang, Member of the Advocacy Committee at UNICEF HK (fourth left), Mr Ho Kai Ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare (forth right), Mr Sammy Yeung, Commissioner for Climate Change (third left), and Mr Wei Aiguo, Managing Director of AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co., Ltd. (third right), joined together with Young Envoys and the "SDG Actioners" ethnic minority youth to kick off the Appointment and Appreciation Ceremony.