Youth forums will be set up in Sha Tin, Sham Shui Po, Central and Western, Tai Po, Kwun Tong, and Yuen Long/Tin Shui Wai on a pilot basis to encourage young people to participate in public affairs and to tap their views, Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong says.

Replying to Frederick Fung's query at the Legislative Council meeting today, Mr Wong said the youth forums will serve as a platform for young people to partake in public affairs.

At the forums, they will be able to acquire the culture and skills for handling public affairs, develop independent thinking and the ability to express views on issues of public concern through the process of research and deliberations, thereby promoting civic awareness and responsibility among young people.

"The forums will also enable the Government and other public organisations to tap the views of young people in a more structured manner, thereby increasing the accountability of public polices," Mr Wong said.

Forum members to be elected

Each district youth forum will consist of young people aged 15 to 24 who are studying, working or living in the district. Forum members will be returned by election. Secondary schools and youth organisations in the district can nominate youth representatives as candidates, or eligible young people can recommend themselves as candidates.

The forums can draw up discussion items that are of concern to young people so that they can convey their views to the Government and the general public, thereby facilitating the implementation of youth-related policy proposals.

The youth forums will be an ongoing youth development programme under the Commission on Youth. The commission, in co-operation with non-governmental youth organisations, is now in the process of setting up district youth forums in six districts on a pilot basis. If successful, the project will be extended to all 18 districts.