The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended 16 Hong Kong civil servants for the United Nations Junior Professional Officer programme, making this the city’s third and largest cohort so far. The officers are due to serve two-year terms at different UN bodies, with departures scheduled to begin in September 2026.
The participants come from a broad range of government bureaux and departments, as well as the Independent Commission Against Corruption. They include staff from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Police Force and the ICAC.
RTHK reported that the postings will include UN headquarters and offices in Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi. The supplied reports did not give the specific agency, office or job function for each officer.
Chief Executive John Lee said the officers should present authentic accounts of Hong Kong internationally. He also urged them to bring their international governance experience and networks back to the Hong Kong government after completing their two-year terms.
A Hong Kong Observatory scientific officer said she hoped to demonstrate Hong Kong’s professional capabilities to international colleagues, including its expertise in nowcasting and artificial intelligence. A Hong Kong Police Force senior inspector said the city’s everyday life and culture could create opportunities for cultural exchange with people from other countries.
Hong Kong sent five officers under the programme in 2019 and 12 in 2023. Reports said the earlier participants received positive evaluations from the United Nations, with some having their tenures extended.
At a ceremony attended by Lee and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun, Cui encouraged the officers to strengthen their ideological training and contribute to the development and succession of the “one country, two systems” cause. The 16 officers are expected to begin leaving for their UN assignments in September 2026.