The launching ceremony was held at Golden Bauhinia Square in the Hong Kong Island, with over 1,500 people attending. Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho spoke of the potential of the young people of Hong Kong, encouraging them to fulfill their hopes and become successful in all endeavors.

Chairlady of the Organizing Committee Elsie Leung also urged the young people assembled to consider the opportunities offered by the 10th Anniversary of Reunification as an occasion to embark in a new direction.

William Tsang, executive chairman of the events, told the press of his happiness at the efforts seen over the last nine years to spread the "May 4th Youth Festival" events. This year, in the "same place", with the "same concept", he was amazed at the joint efforts of 200 youth organizations in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong Uniformed Group, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group, Hong Kong Association of Youth Development and Hong Kong United Youth Association.

During the ceremony, famous pianist Yundi Li and singer Leo Ku were named as the Event Ambassadors in the ceremony. They both showed off their superlative musical skill with Li performing the newly-composed song "Singing for the Motherland" with 150 members of the Hong Kong Children's Choir, while Ku showcased the 10th anniversary theme song "Just Because You Are Here" with the young singers from all 18 districts of Hong Kong.

The launching ceremony marked the countdown to the first exchange program involving youngsters from 36 districts in Beijing and Hong Kong. Over 400 youngsters from 18 districts of Hong Kong will travel to Beijing from April 5-9 to take part in activities together with youngsters from 18 districts of Beijing.

In the four months to follow, a series of special celebrations will occur, including "Chinese Culture Week" and "String Orchestra Concert in Celebration of the Reunification".