On August 10, the inaugural Youth Development Summit, themed "Set Sail for New Horizon," was hosted by the Hong Kong SAR Government's Home and Youth Affairs Bureau at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event marked the beginning of the 2024 Youth Festival and was convened with an impressive array of guests including regional officials responsible for youth policies, technology innovators, creative experts, young entrepreneurs, and representatives from youth organisations along with industry elites. The Summit attracted 2,400 registrants, including approximately 500 young people from Mainland China and overseas locations such as Singapore, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. This gathering facilitated an exchange of ideas and mutual learning on topics relevant to today's youth.

The Foundation, as a key collaborating partner, played a significant role in supporting the Summit, especially through the planning and execution of a series of exchange activities designed to showcase Hong Kong's unique attributes and share its story with non-local participants. These activities included visits to innovation hubs like the Science Park and Cyberport, cultural landmarks such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Xiqu Centre, M+, Tai Kwun, and The Mills. Additionally, participants ventured to Tai O Village and Ocean Park, where they gained insights into ecology and animal conservation. The experience also featured a visit to the Youth Oasis, part of the Youth Hostel Scheme, enhancing understanding of local youth accommodation initiatives. The programme also included a visit to the Youth Oasis, part of the Youth Hostel Scheme, and other iconic Hong Kong experiences such as viewing the cityscape from the Peak, cruising Victoria Harbour, and enjoying a tram party on the streets of Hong Kong Island.

These activities not only offered a deeper understanding of Hong Kong but also facilitated enriching cultural exchanges among young people from various backgrounds. For participants visiting Hong Kong for the first time, the activities provided valuable insights into the city's advancements in innovation and technology, art and culture, and environmental conservation. They also observed the government's strong commitment to youth development, as evidenced by various policies designed to support young people.