The Loop HK 30 Under 30 2017

Founder and chair of the advisory board, Youth Empact

Sharon Lo was already heavily involved with the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY) when she founded Youth Empact, an ethnic minority youth empowerment platform, in 2016.

Youth Empact works with students to equip them with the skills, support and personal development opportunities to maximize their final year of secondary school, with the aim of entering tertiary education, Lo says.

“Seeing the potential of youth empowerment, believing in the importance of shaping policy and bringing its influence and impact down to a grassroots level — these motivate me.”

The UN MGCY, on the other hand, is the official and General Assembly-mandated space for young people to contribute to various UN and intergovernmental processes. Lo acts as a regional focal point for North and Southeast Asia, facilitating the participation of regional and global youth and youth organizations relating to sustainable urban development. The efforts have led to the adoption of the New Urban Agenda by UN member states in 2016.

Lo is an advocate for the UN and youth empowerment in Hong Kong, constantly working to engage youth locally and globally to contribute to the sustainable development cause — which, she says, is also a passion that drives her.

“Seeing the potential of youth empowerment, believing in the importance of shaping policy and bringing its influence and impact down to a grassroots level — these motivate me, ” Lo says. 

Her first job? “During university, I took a part time job as a waitress in a Chinese restaurant and takeaway.”

Proudest achievement? “I am most proud when I see the interns and volunteers which I train grow in knowledge, mature in perspectives and improve their standard of work. It is a privilege to be part of their growth process.”