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Hong Kong, 19 August 2026-Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) has long been committed to youth empowerment, incessantly facilitating international exchange to help the younger generation broaden their global horizons and advance the realization of children's rights.

This summer, UNICEF HK organized an immersive study tour on the environmental and climate issues in Hanoi, Vietnam, where Young Envoys explored sustainable technologies and the architectural transformations behind them.

At the certified eco-friendly Green One UN House (GOUNH), over 30% of energy consumption was reduced by using solar power and a double-glazed glass structure for better heat insulation. A review forum was also held at GOUNH with the youth representatives from Vietnam’s “Voice of Green Network” on the UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programmes. Youth from both countries came together to exchange thoughts on the threats of extreme weather to children and explored ways of youth engagement to take part in green policies.

At the Soc Son Garbage Power Plant, advanced mechanical cranes sort and mix thousands of tons of daily trash. Waste are transformed into clean electricity after high-efficiency incineration with fewer emissions of poisonous gas.

At AEON Mall, green choices are made easy for shoppers with the "No Plastic Bag Days" campaign. Rewards are redeemable at designated Eco-counters to encourage green shopping habits. Whereas at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Young Envoys visited the traditional stilt houses that showcase indigenous wisdom in coping with heat and floods.

Reflecting on the journey, Young Envoy Kristobel shared: "The gap between reality and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reminded me of our responsibility as young change makers and leaders of tomorrow. Our follow-up actions will involve passing on the knowledge gained during this trip, inspiring more people to fight for a better future for the next generation."

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, stated, “Climate change isn't just an environmental issue - it directly impacts children's survival and future. From modern sustainability initiatives to time-honored craftsmanship, this trip inspired our youth to bring these insights back and contribute to building a child-friendly city of Hong Kong.”

As UNICEF HK celebrates its 40th anniversary, we remain dedicated to empowering youth and supporting them as they help shape a safe, inclusive and sustainable future for every child.

Young Envoys exchanging ideas with local Vietnamese youth during the UNICEF WASH seminar to explore youth-driven climate solutions.

Young Envoys observe cutting-edge waste-to-energy operations at the Soc Son Waste-to-Energy Plant. 

Young Envoys participate in a craft workshop at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, discovering the low-carbon wisdom in traditional craftsmanship. 

Young Envoys visit the Green One UN House to experience sustainable, energy-efficient building design.

Young Envoys explore plastic-reduction initiatives and recycling facilities at AEON Mall Hà Đông to learn about corporate strategies for promoting sustainable consumption.

Young Envoys learned about the principles and guidelines of green building design from the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC).