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Hong Kong, 20 January 2024 – Over 3,000 cities worldwide are participating in UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), with 54 cities in the mainland of China engaged in related projects. Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) hosted “Round Table Meeting – Build a Child Friendly City through Children’s Lens” today, fostering local discussions on CFCI and gathering insights. The event brought together government officials, policy-makers, representatives from the education and social welfare sectors, children and youth to discuss developing Hong Kong as a Child Friendly City as well as empowering children’s voices in the community.

During the event, Mr. Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, expressed the government’s deep commitment to the welfare of children. He remarked, “We are grateful for the dedicated efforts of organizations like UNICEF HK in championing children’s rights. Today’s event plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and adhesiveness in our shared mission to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.”

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, elaborated on the significance of CFCI, stating, “Child Friendly Cities are the realization of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at the community level. Since 1996, UNICEF has been advocating for Child Friendly Cities, garnering commitments from cities across 40 countries. China’s 14th Five-Year Plan also set the goal of ‘Building 100 epitomes of Child Friendly Cities; enhancing venues for extra-curricular activities, small group homes and public spaces; and improving service facilities for children.’” She added that UNICEF HK will centre its initiatives around the campaign "7,000 Days of Life" this year, safeguarding children’s development from prenatal stage to adulthood; this aligns seamlessly with the concept of CFCI that children grow up in a protecting environment. Mr. Ivan Chu, Chairman of Advocacy Committee of UNICEF HK, expressed, “It is our goal today to engage stakeholders in conversations on facilitating children’s participation and citizenship, environmental sustainability, and living conditions.” Mr. Richard Tsang, Chairman of Communications and Media Relations of UNICEF HK, stated, “This event serves to introduce the concept of Child Friendly Cities and spark meaningful discussions among locals, exploring new opportunities for advancing child rights in Hong Kong.”

Prof. Patrick Ip, Clinical Professor of the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, underlined the significance of early childhood development and comprehensive child development in children’s physical and mental well-being.

Ms. Judy Chan Kapui, Legislative Council Member, pointed out the importance of collaboration between policy-makers and the public in enhancing children’s well-being. She noted, "Ensuring the welfare of our next generation is a collective responsibility, and it is imperative that we work together to create a Hong Kong where they can thrive."

In addition, guests from the education and social welfare sectors including Principal Chung Lai-kam Kathy, Chairman of Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, and Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, shared insights on integrating child-centric policies in education, urban planning, and community activities, so as to foster a nurturing environment for the city's children.

As the highlight of the event, youth were invited to express their views on child issues from their unique perspectives. UNICEF Young Envoys shared their takeaway and reflections from visiting South Korea and Shenzhen’s child-friendly cities, while participants of UNICEF Clubs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) eLearn Award Scheme presented their advocacy efforts in Hong Kong. Their enlightening sharing was attentively listened to and sparked enthusiastic responses from the guests, demonstrating the influential role of young voices in shaping a more child-friendly future.

UNICEF HK held Hong Kong’s first round table meeting on Child Friendly Cities, bringing together government officials, policy-makers, representatives from the education and social welfare sectors, as well as children and youth.

Mr. Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, expressed the government’s deep commitment to the welfare of children.

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, pointed out that China’s 14th Five-Year Plan has set the goal of building Child Friendly Cities.

UNICEF Young Envoys shared their takeaway and reflections from visiting South Korea and Shenzhen’s child friendly cities.

Participants of UNICEF Clubs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) eLearn Award Scheme shared their advocacy efforts in Hong Kong.