The challenges facing Hong Kong are complex, numerous, and often seem intractable. Upward social mobility has slowed significantly over the past three decades; more than 60% of citizens report poor mental wellbeing; and recent social unrest has exposed deep dissatisfaction and distrust in long-standing institutions. These issues are further compounded by disheartening reports of young people wanting to leave the city.
Polls show that 60% of youth wish to leave Hong Kong, and one in four university-educated young professionals under 35 plan to pursue careers abroad. In response, GIFT launched the inaugural Stay & Build Initiative—designed for those who refuse to accept that these challenges are insurmountable and who are eager to shape a better future for Hong Kong.
Real solutions to Hong Kong’s challenges must come from the next generation of leaders. The initiative aimed to empower them to deepen their understanding of pressing societal issues through four pilot projects, while fostering a sense of purpose by developing practical solutions in collaboration with Project Partners: Chinachem Group, Farmacy, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong Rugby Union, and Land Education Foundation.
The project plan was built around four key components:
Breaking Ground for Community Sports and Wellness Hubs
Expanding access to sports facilities, creating co-working wellness hubs, and revitalising underused buildings and spaces.Prioritising Local Food Production for Health and Sustainability
Developing a Hong Kong Agricultural Hub, extending the reach of Green@Community, and transforming brownfield sites into modular hydroponic farms.Expanding Caregiving for Dignified Ageing
Improving housing estate environments, scaling caregiving services, and promoting positive societal engagement with the elderly.Co-designing Public Open Spaces for Enhanced Liveability
Forming a Public Open Space Commission to drive the development of 100 new POS within five years, and launching a public competition to engage communities in shaping quality open spaces.
At its core, the Stay & Build Initiative seeks to encourage young people to explore meaningful ways of contributing to Hong Kong’s future. It provides a platform for reflection, connection, and action in response to the city’s evolving social landscape.