Hong Kong chief executive pledges youth-focused jobs and education in five-year plan

John Lee delivered a video message at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, emphasizing that Hong Kong’s first five-year plan and the recent Policy Address place youth at the core of the city’s future. He described the Northern Metropolis, a region occupying roughly a third of Hong Kong’s area, as a focal point for three university towns—San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling—where education, technology and industry will intersect.

Beyond this development, Lee unveiled a United Nations Youth Leaders Internship Programme offering placements across UN agencies, and broader mainland internship schemes in sectors such as finance, aerospace and cutting-edge research. He also announced a collaborative youth employment and internship initiative between the government and the business sector, targeting 30,000 positions within the next two years. Lee concluded that the government will work with all sectors to build platforms for young people to thrive locally and globally.