The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue Highlights the Urgent Need for Youth Mental Health Solutions and Support

Citi Foundation and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) remain steadfast advocates for innovative and collaborative solutions to empower youth

HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Over 400 youth workers, academic professionals, policy makers and mental health practitioners convened at the Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue (HK Dialogue) on May 21 to advance solutions addressing mental health needs of young people.

Co-led by Citi Foundation and UNDP, and organized in partnership with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), the HK Dialogue was held in conjunction with the S+ Summit & Expo that attracted over 13,000 attendees over two days. The dialogue explored key challenges faced by young people with mental issues, examined related policy implications, and highlighted holistic support strategies and best practices. The event also featured an interactive exhibition, providing participants with valuable resources and information on youth mental health.

"Citi and the Citi Foundation have long invested in empowering young people and young social entrepreneurs in the communities we serve. Through impactful programs such as Youth Co:Lab, we strive to create an enabling environment that incubates innovative solutions developed by young people for some of the most pressing social issues," said Vicky Kong, Chief Executive, Citibank (Hong Kong) Limited. "With the significant rise in young people facing mental health challenges in recent years, there is an urgent need to take action. We aim to achieve exactly that through the ecosystem that Youth Co:Lab has built over the years."

Beniam Gebrezghi, Programme Specialist, Civil Society and Youth, UNDP Asia-Pacific said, "Through Youth Co:Lab initiatives, we have seen young people across the Asia-Pacific region drive innovative solutions to address mental health challenges and create meaningful change for the communities they serve. This reinforces our commitment to advancing mental health advocacy, not just in Hong Kong, but throughout the region. Prioritizing the mental well-being of youth is a collective responsibility. By empowering young people with the tools and support they need, we are not only helping them thrive but also fostering a generation that will lead us toward a more resilient, compassionate, and sustainable future. The well-being of our youth is the foundation upon which we build tomorrow's leaders."

Grace Chan, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service said, "It is commendable that the Citi Foundation and the UNDP have co-created the platform of "Youth Co:Lab - Hong Kong Dialogue", which brings together youth and adults from various sectors to collaborate in advancing service development. This year's theme focuses on youth mental health. Given the significant needs in this area, we aim to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and encourage youth participation to create innovative, youth-friendly support systems. We hope for close collaboration and communication to create a more friendly social environment for our young people."

Dr. Lam Ching Choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, said, "Genuine relationships between people are the foundation of mental health. Our society needs to reflect on our cultures and expectations, considering whether adults are providing space for youth to be autonomous, enabling them to explore their own paths. Human-centered policies and services are also crucial, as they allow young people to feel understood, accepted, and supported."

Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by Citi Foundation and the UNDP, is the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality, and social inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region and has supported young people in 28 countries and territories. Since its inception, activities supported by Youth Co:Lab such as the Hong Kong Dialogue have reached 300,000 participants across the region.

For high-resolution photos, please download via this link

Photo 1 Caption : Community partners and young people gathered at the Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue to explore solutions to address the pressing youth mental health needs in the city. Officiating at the opening ceremony were (from left to right):

  • Dr. Lam Ching Choi, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Mental Health
  • Beniam Gebrezghi, Programme Specialist, Civil Society and Youth, United Nations Development Programme Asia-Pacific
  • Vicky Kong, Chief Executive, Citibank (Hong Kong) Limited
  • Natalie Fok, Youth Speaker
  • Chara Yau, Youth Speaker
  • Grace Chan, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service

Photo 2 Caption : Vicky Kong, Chief Executive of Citibank (Hong Kong) Limited, addressed the audience at the Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue opening ceremony.

Photo 3 Caption : Dr. Lam Ching Choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, shared his insights on mental health policy at the Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue.

Photo 4 Caption : Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue featured an interactive exhibition – "One in Six Wellness Sanctuary", to enhance public understanding of youth mental health challenges.
Hashtag: #Citi

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Citi

Citi is a pre-eminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found at | X: | YouTube: | Blog: | Facebook: | LinkedIn:

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit .

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at or follow at .

About HKCSS

The HKCSS is a statutory body established in 1947. Together with our Agency Members, we uphold social justice and equality in our mission to advance the well-being of the Hong Kong community. The HKCSS is committed to building an impact-oriented, collaborative and innovative social service sector, and co-creating a better society with stakeholders across different sectors. The HKCSS has over 520 Agency Members, with service units throughout Hong Kong, providing high-quality social services to those in need.

For more information, visit | Facebook:

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...