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Hong Kong, 7 May 2026—— For three decades, a ship has sailed with more than 1,500 young navigators on board, all steering toward the same goal: making sure children’s voices are heard around the world.

Launched in 1996, the UNICEF Young Envoys Programme (the Programme) marks its 30th anniversary this year. To celebrate, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) hosted the "Young Envoys Programme 30^th Anniversary Kick-off Ceremony" on 28 March. The event showcased the Programme’s achievements and introduced its 30^th cohort under the theme "The Young Envoys Voyage". The ship metaphor symbolizes the hope that the new generations of Young Envoys will build on the work of their predecessors, navigating advocacy for child’s rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their knowledge and experience.

One of the officiating guests, Ms. Fiona Zhuang, Advocacy Committee Member of UNICEF HK, has witnessed young people’s passion and dedication for child’s rights through her role as a judge in the Programme’s interviews over the past two years. She emphasized that youth development is a cornerstone of society and expressed confidence that Young Envoys will apply what they learn to create a brighter, more positive future for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co., Ltd., the Programme’s sole sponsor for 19 years, was represented by Ms. Alice Lui, General Manager of Human Resources and Sustainable Development. In her remarks, she underscored the company’s commitment to youth development and its shared belief with UNICEF HK in advocating for child’s rights. Ms. Lui reaffirmed AEON’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of advocacy leaders.

At the ceremony, Young Envoys took on key roles as leaders, produced a short video, and led the sharing session, a vivid demonstration of their growth from “learners” to “leaders.” The launch of “Young Envoys PLUS” was also announced, a new initiative that invites alumni to return as mentors. Through this programme, former Young Envoys will support the latest cohort and work alongside them on youth‑led advocacy projects, ensuring that experience and passion are passed on from one generation to the next.

Two Young Envoys from different years spoke about their journeys during the sharing session. Mr. Jeff Sum, a 2023 Young Envoy and representative of Young Envoys PLUS, said, “Dream big, start small. Every step counts,” emphasising how individual actions can drive meaningful social change. Mr. Harrison Chung, a 2010 Young Envoy, added, “Advocacy is a continuous journey and none of us walks it alone,” underscoring the importance of collective effort.

Over the past 30 years, the way UNICEF Young Envoys advocate has evolved with the times. In the first decade, the focus was on training and raising awareness of the challenges children face around the world, laying the groundwork for a shift from “understanding” to “taking action”. In the second decade, the Programme expanded Young Envoys’ horizons as they travelled to developing countries to witness first-hand the impact that health and education issues have on children’s lives. In the third decade, advocacy moved beyond traditional talks and exhibitions to embrace social media, multimedia content, and an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) perspective. The evolution demonstrates the vibrant energy young people bring to their enduring commitment to promoting child rights.

Every Young Envoy is a vital navigator on this voyage for child’s rights. As the Programme enters its fourth decade, UNICEF HK remains committed to walking alongside every child, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and platforms they need to become lifelong advocates, and ensuring that the voices of the next generation are heard loud and clear.

Officiating guests lead the kick-off ceremony, including Ms. Fiona Zhuang, Advocacy Committee Member of UNICEF HK (third from left); Ms. Alice Lui, General Manager of Human Resources and Sustainability Development at AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co. Ltd. (third from right); Mr. Harrison Chung, 2010 Young Envoy (second from left); Mr. Jason Cheung, Young Envoys PLUS representative (first from left); and two Young Envoys representatives add diverse elements for ‘The Young Envoys Voyage’. The ship metaphor symbolizes the hope that the new generations of Young Envoys will build on the work of their predecessors, navigating advocacy for child’s rights and the SDGs with their knowledge and experience.

Ms Fiona Zhuang, Advocacy Committee Member of UNICEF HK, shared in her speech that she has witnessed young people’s passion and dedication for child’s rights through her role as a judge in the Programme’s interviews over the past two years, and expressed confidence that Young Envoys will apply what they learn to create a positive future for children around the world.

Ms. Alice Lui, General Manager of Human Resources and Sustainability Development of AEON Credit Service (Asia) Co., Ltd., emphasises the commitment to youth development during her speech, and its shared belief with UNICEF HK in advocating for child’s rights. Ms. Lui reaffirmed AEON Credit Service’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of advocacy leaders.

Mr. Harrison Chung, 2010 Young Envoy(left), and Mr. Jeff Sum, 2023 Young Envoy and representative of Young Envoys PLUS (right), inspire the audience with their personal journeys during the panel discussion.

Young Envoys took on key roles as hosts and led the sharing sessions and video production, providing a vivid demonstration of their growth from "learners" to "leaders".

Group photo Young Envoys Programme 30^th Anniversary Kick-off Ceremony.