The annual report of the 2023-2024 Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups Leaders Forum was presented on September 21 at the Hong Kong Government Headquarters.Youth representatives from Shenzhen and Hong Kong celebrated the successful conclusion of the event!
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Xie Zhixiang, Deputy Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Wang Yongcheng, Vice President of Shenzhen University (SZU); Wong Chi Fai, President of the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao; as well as Cheng Cheung-ling and Yeung Fun-bun, the founding chairs of the Youth Uniformed Groups Leaders Forum under the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
The Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups Leaders Forum was launched in September 2022. Each year, elite members from the youth uniformed groups of eight disciplined services and auxiliary forces are selected to participate in the Forum. Now in its second year, the Forum has broadened its collaborative efforts. In November 2023, the Security Bureau took a significant step by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SZU. This agreement officially launched a partnership aimed at promoting youth development and cultural exchanges between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Furthermore, this collaboration has reinforced the Forum's mission to cultivate young talent. This year's Forum included 27 members from Hong Kong and, for the first time, 18 students from SZU. They engaged in a variety of activities that fostered connections and understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
In his speech, Chan Kwok-ki stated that, with strong support and encouragement from all sectors of society over the past year, the Forum successfully concluded its activities and achieved remarkable outcomes. He expressed hope that the Youth Uniformed Groups Leaders Forum would further integrate into the nation's broader development plans and expand its collaborative network. He also emphasized the importance of working hand in hand to foster greater interaction and exchange among young people in Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong Province. Finally, he highlighted the goal of strengthening friendships and continuously deepening the Forum's role in cultivating young leaders.
Tang Ping-keung reflected on the Forum's achievements over the past year. He emphasized that the young people from both regions demonstrated impressive knowledge, unwavering confidence, a proactive attitude, and significant skill development in all activities. These qualities enabled them to make remarkable progress, laying a strong foundation for their journey as future leaders. Looking ahead, he stated that students from Macao will join next year's Forum. He expressed his hope that young people from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao can unite and progress together.
Wang Yongcheng noted that the Greater Bay Area is emerging as a prominent player on the global development stage. He urged the members of the Youth Uniformed Groups Leaders Forum to embrace and engage with the region's rapid growth. He encouraged them to leverage this expansive platform to showcase their talents, unlock their potential, and collaborate as a unified force. By doing so, they can play a crucial role in driving social progress and contributing to the development of our era. He called on them to face future opportunities and challenges together, striving to make a positive impact on the advancement and prosperity of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the nation as a whole.
At the event, participants from Shenzhen and Hong Kong shared their insights from the 2024 Youth Forum of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, their volunteer experiences at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, and their summer internship experiences.
The young members from both regions presented annual reports on key topics, including "How can the two regions learn from each other's advantageous policies and integrate to promote coordinated development within the Greater Bay Area city cluster?" and "How can we enhance young people's understanding of Chinese history and traditional culture to strengthen their national identity?" They also provided suggestions for fostering innovation and technological development in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Through these discussions, they shared insights on various social issues, including culture, education, technology, employment, and healthcare. The event concluded with guests presenting awards to the teams that delivered the best reports.
Ho Nga-yin, a Hong Kong student and member of the Forum, stated, "This unforgettable learning experience has deepened my understanding of our collective responsibility as young people in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, and it has strengthened my love for both my city and my country." Zhou Erwei, a student from SZU, remarked, "Here, I've met many exceptional peers. We are all vibrant young people, and the future holds endless possibilities for us."
