HK should promote civil diplomacy, CY Leung says

Hong Kong should foster civil diplomacy in fields such as culture, art, sports, and education, former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Sunday.

Speaking on a radio program, Leung highlighted that the proposal comes in light of the major shifts in the current global landscape, where the nation needs to consolidate its existing international friendships and also develop new ties.

"As Hong Kong develops, it must consider what the country needs," he reiterated.

He mentioned The GX Foundation, which he leads, as an example. Since its establishment nearly eight years ago, the foundation has expanded its work to 10 countries across four continents, providing eight categories of assistance that include donating materials and providing hands-on services.

This includes observing problems in the public healthcare systems of other countries, devising and reviewing solutions, while applying an unconventional approach instead of simply following the methods used by large international organizations.

Leung added that the foundation's work is estimated to expand to three more countries this year.

Meanwhile, Leung said the foundation's youth exchange program is very popular and often takes local university students to less developed countries. Medical students from the Universidade Nacional de Timor-Leste were invited to Hong Kong and Macau for an internship.

The foundation has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with local universities to help students participate in aid work more regularly.

He described this as an opportunity for them to learn the "art of medicine" in Hong Kong and to cultivate a "benevolent heart" while abroad.

Leung also pointed out that young people greatly need such internships to understand China's development today and to broaden their horizons.