About YEA
To position Hong Kong’s younger generation at the forefront of creating a more sustainable future, Civic Exchange created HongKong2050isNow Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme, which runs every summer.
This initiative fosters greater awareness of climate change among Hong Kong’s youth and equips the next generation of climate leaders with comprehensive knowledge in climate science, design-thinking skills, and invaluable hands-on experience.
Launched in 2021, this programme focuses on educating and engaging local students in Forms 3 to 5. We believe that the future of climate action rests in the hands of young leaders who will drive innovation and navigate through uncertain climate scenarios.
Programme Summary
Over the course of five months, the programme equips participants with knowledge across four key topics: decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, waste management, and sustainable consumption.
The 2025 edition builds on feedback from last year’s YEA participants, who expressed a strong desire for more interactive classroom activities, opportunities to meet sustainability professionals, and additional site visits.
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In response, this year’s programme includes not only design thinking and project management training led by experts, but also an expanded series of field trips to provide practical, real-world examples. Additionally, four Human Library sessions have been organised, allowing participants to engage directly with leading experts from NGOs, government, businesses, and professional bodies.
By designing and implementing their own sustainable projects under professional mentorship, participants will gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to environmental solutions—and becoming catalysts for change.
Climate Change Awareness
Enhance climate change awareness among Hong Kong’s youth
Leadership Training
Equip youth with design thinking and project management skills
Community-based Solutions
Train youth to provide solutions through their own sustainable projects
Career Development
Offer youth the opportunity to explore and shape their career paths
LEARN-ACT-LEAD Phases
The YEA programme is divided into three phases: LEARN, ACT, and LEAD, spanning over two months, during which it gathers a community of Young Environment Ambassadors.
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Through workshops and training sessions, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Climate Changemakers.
Using their new skills, participants will plan and implement sustainable projects with the support of Civic Exchange and its partners.
LEARN
Learning Phase (July-August 2025)
Throughout 10 sessions, participants gain an understanding of basic climate science and explore four main topics: decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, waste management, and sustainable consumption. They develop a leadership skillset encompassing design thinking, project management, and public speaking. Additionally, they become more aware of local success stories in addressing climate change, including government-led initiatives, prominent environmental NGOs (ENGOs), corporate leaders, and pioneering individuals.
ACT
Acting Phase (September-November 2025)
With a solid skillset and knowledge base, participants will be grouped into teams to implement 3-month long sustainable projects. These projects may include organising volunteer drives, conducting online awareness campaigns, and drafting investigative reports. YEA organisers and professionals from the private sector will provide mentoring and peer discussions.
LEAD
Leading Phase (November 2025 and beyond)
Completion of the programme will be marked by a closing ceremony celebrating the Young Environment Ambassadors' achievements. This event will also signify the commencement of YEAs’ long-term sustainability mission beyond the programme's duration. Exceptional ambassadors may have the opportunity to be matched with internship positions at Civic Exchange and other partner organisations, further supporting their development and expanding their influence as young leaders.
Through the course of the programme,
participants will gain:
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Leadership skills such as public speaking, design thinking, project management
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Hands-on experience in a team mentored by seasoned professionals
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Networking opportunities with Hong Kong's environmental leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society
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Expertise in climate and sustainability-related topics
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Ability to initiate and lead their own sustainable projects, delivering tangible impact
Upon programme completion,
participants will receive:
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A certificate of completion*
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For outstanding participants, a chance to intern with Civic Exchange’s partner organisations
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An opportunity to win exciting prizes
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*Participants must achieve an 80% attendance rate and score 70% or above in the test
Programme Rundown
Induction
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Date: 19 July 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:30-12:30
Venue: Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier 8
Highlights:
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Introduction of the programme
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Welcome speech by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Miss Diane Wong, JP
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Panel discussion with former Secretary for Environment Prof Wong Kam Sing and former Head of Observatory Mr Lam Chiu Ying and previous YEA award-winning participants
Apply Now
Fee: Free of charge, however a HKD500 refundable deposit will be collected upon acceptance. The deposit will be returned upon successful completion of the programme, which requires a minimum of 80% attendance and passing the final assessment.
Requirements:
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F.3-5 students (going into F.4-6) with good academic standing and good communications skills in English and Cantonese
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Students with demonstrated leadership potential and interest in sustainability
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Language: Cantonese.
Application deadline: Friday 27 June 2025.
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Please fill in and submit the online application form.
Funding Organisations
Education Partner and Co-Organiser
Supporting Organisations
