一班有心為香港帶來正面改變的青年，來自社會不同背景和專業，包括教育、人權法、商界、青年工作等等。自10月初以來，社會氣氛愈來愈緊張，都在思考除了集會和做「鍵盤鬥士」以外，能力範圍內還可以做些什麼？集思廣益後，最終希望可以在現時互信不足和難以妥協的社會中，創建一個平台來聚集不同的持分者，並以推動香港民主發展作為大家的終極目標。他們相信一個交流和了解其他人的思想的平台可以為推進民主運動創造一個共同基礎。因此，他們組成了一個名為「和你向前」的工作小組來組織這次研討會。
對話會節目表：
第一環節：專題討論 （約2.5小時）
1. 國際社會的啟示──如何聚集國際力量迎難而上（英語）
由港大法律學院訪問教授譚競嫦教授（Prof Sharon Hom）擔任主持，其他嘉賓包括港大社會科學學院客席副教授沈旭暉教授、香港立法會前議員吳靄儀博士、國際特赦組織香港分會委員楊政賢先生、香港人權監察發言人葉寬柔女士及香港大專學界國際事務代表團發言人張崑陽先生。
2. 突破僵局：香港人的協作藍圖（廣東話）
由浸大新聞系高級講師呂秉權先生擔任主持，其他嘉賓包括：香港大學法律學院首席講師張達明先生、時事評論員劉銳紹先生（夫子）、職工盟主席吳敏兒女士、民陣副召集人陳皓桓先生及老人科專科馬仲儀醫生。
第二環節：小組討論（約1.5小時）
經第一環節刺激思考，在相關知識及經驗人士帶領討論下，提出推動民主進程的實際方案。此環節志於結合民間智慧，推動社區互助模式。
大概300名中學、大專學生及公眾人士參加在九龍兆基兆基創意書院舉行的對談會。
A group of passionate youth from different backgrounds and professions, including education, human rights law, business, youth works, etc. Triggered by the intensifying actions and atmosphere since early October, they have brainstormed on what they can do in the current chaotic situation apart from assembly and “keyboard warriors” and finally came up with the idea of creating a real platform to gather different stakeholders to work towards the same ultimate objective – democratic development in Hong Kong, at the time that has insufficient trust and compromise. We believe that a platform for communication and understanding the thoughts of other fellows can create a common ground to push forward the pro-democracy movement. Thus, they immediately formed an ad-hoc task force called “Together We Progress” for organising the symposium.
Event Rundown:
Session 1 – Panel Discussion (Approximately 2.5 hours)
A. Shedding Light from International Community? How to unite Global Efforts against the Current Challenges? (Conducted in English)
Moderated by Prof. Sharon Hom (Visiting Professor, Faculty of Law, HKU), guests include but not limited to Prof. Simon Shen (Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU), Dr Margaret NG (Former Member of Hong Kong Legislative Council), Mr Johnson YEUNG (Board Member, Amnesty International (Hong Kong)), Ms Claudia YIP (Spokesperon, Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor) and Mr Sunny CHEUNG (Spokesperson, Hong Kong Higher Institutions International Affairs Delagation)
B. Beyond the Deadlock: Future Collective Actions by Hongkongers (Conducted in Cantonese)
Moderated by Mr Bruce Lui (Senior Lecturer, Dept of Journalism, HKBU), guests include Mr Eric Cheung (Principal Lecturer, Faculty of Law, HKU), Mr Johnny Lau (Current Affairs Commentator), Mr Figo Chan (Vice-convenor, Civil Human Rights Front), Ms Carol NG (Chairperson, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions) and Dr Arisina MA (Specialist in Geriatric Medicine)
Session 2 – Small Group Discussion (Approximately 1.5 hours)
Leveraging the inspiration from Session 1, participants get to suggest feasible yet diverse plans to introduce democracy to Hong Kong under the guidance of figures with relevant knowledge and experience, mobilising community efforts and wisdom to map the way out
About 300 secondary school students, tertiary students and the general public participated at HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity in Kowloon.
