In Hong Kong on Sunday over 250 university students from 150 countries and regions met for the opening of the ITU Telecom World 2006 Youth Forum.

Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) the six-day event offers young people a chance to establish networks and to share knowledge. Each union member nominated two university students -- a male and a female -- to attend. 

Hong Kong representative, Antony Tam, said after the forum's first meeting that participating students would share their vision on the future of information and communications technology through a series of interactive sessions and workshops.

The students would also draft a declaration action plan conveying their global vision for expanding the benefits of information and communications technology which will be presented on December 8, added Tam.

Apart from the dedicated youth sessions the young people will also have an opportunity to join the main forum, visit the ITU World Telecom 2006 exhibition and enjoy a number of host city programs to learn about Hong Kong.

The Federation of Youth Groups has recruited over 40 local university students to act as ambassadors. They receive the overseas visitors during the event period and act as young reporters contributing articles and photographs on the various conferences and activities.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2006)