Young representatives from diverse fields on Saturday urged Hong Kong’s youth to nurture patriotism by strengthening their understanding of national affairs and shouldering the responsibility of safeguarding national security.

They made the call during panel discussions with Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok held in conjunction with the Fifth Anniversary of the Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum organized by the HKSAR government.

The forum held its grand opening ceremony on Saturday morning with keynote speeches by officials from the central government and HKSAR officials, including Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

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Lam and youth leaders from various sectors touched on the crucial role of the younger generation in upholding national security.

The guest speakers included Paris Olympic gold medalist fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai; member of the Sai Kung District Council Angel Chong Nga-ting; and actor Karl Ting Tze-long, who shared their personal experiences concerning the significance of national security in their daily lives.

They also explored strategies to promote the “Security Brings Prosperity” concept within communities and establish “Be Patriotic and Love Hong Kong” as a mainstream societal value, especially among Hong Kong’s young people.

Explaining the reason for inviting youth leaders to the discussions, Lam underscored the vital role youth play in protecting national security.

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He noted that many take national security for granted, likening it to not recognizing the importance of oxygen on a daily basis. He hoped to create a relaxed and down-to-earth atmosphere, helping youth to better understand the significance of national security through these discussions.

Ting said a key focus on safeguarding national security is cultivating a sense of belonging and pride to the country with the most effective approach – gaining a broad understanding of various aspects of everyday life on the Chinese mainland.

He said he frequently travels to the mainland for work, allowing him to better learn about its infrastructure, convenient daily life, and diverse online entertainment.

Based on his experiences, Ting stressed that a deep understanding of the nation will naturally nurture love for it. He called on Hong Kong youth to visit the  mainland more often for leisure, noting that favorable policies, like those for northbound travel for Hong Kong vehicles, have greatly helped Hong Kong residents in experiencing life across the boundary.

Kong said she discovered her limited understanding of the country’s development only after studying international relations at university. As an athlete who had often trained on the mainland from a young age, she said she always felt the care and warmth of her mainland counterparts for Hong Kong athletes.

She said the nation’s security and support have offered her a profound sense of safety, enabling her to pursue her dreams confidently.

Chong, as a district councilor, said she often has to interact with Hong Kong youth, especially students, in her work, realizing their aspirations for the future.

She notes that compared to young people in war-torn regions worldwide, living in a peaceful country is a privilege, stressing the importance of national security and the country’s strength for youth.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com