City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is committed to engaging with the community and nurturing critical thinking and responsible global citizens through a variety of activities. CityUHK and See Change Education, as well as Hong Kong Innovative Education Association recently co-organised the Global Conference Leadership Camp and the SCMUN Conference. Together, we selected 11 secondary school students nominated by their principals to receive scholarships to participate in the events. These students, along with other primary and secondary students from different schools in Hong Kong, experienced university life, visited CityUHK’s advanced laboratories, and received training to enhance their skills in data analysis, communication and Model United Nations debate skills during the five-day camp and two-day conference. This allowed them to experience the learning atmosphere of one of the world’s most international universities.

The officiating guests attending the opening ceremony of the SCMUN Conference on 10 August included Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityUHK Council Chairman, Ms Rita Pang Yat-sum, CityUHK Council member and Founder of See Change Education, Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President, and Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement).

In his welcoming speech, Mr Huang said that the activities would give the students an opportunity to enhance various skills. He emphasised that CityUHK’s educational philosophy, international campus and teaching facilities provide an excellent environment for students to look at global issues and corresponding solutions. He encouraged students to be the persons they are. He said, “I congratulate you on the time and energy you have invested this summer, which is an important investment in your future development. What you have been doing here in these few days of training will help enrich and empower you.”

Ms Pang said that the camp’s mission aligns perfectly with CityUHK’s focus on addressing global issues and emphasising global knowledge. She expressed her joy in growing alongside the participating students. “During the past five days of the training camp, I have seen a lot of students move beyond their personal boundaries, from being strangers to forging new friendships and becoming new persons. I hope that the students nominated to participate in the overseas MUN conference will broaden their horizons and enhance themselves on this new stage.”

In his speech, Professor Chan expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors for their generous support in providing full scholarships to students from “CityUHK Connect” and schools in the nearby community. “We hope this eye-opening experience will inspire the participants and deepen their understanding of the world-class education of CityUHK,” he said.

During the SCMUN Conference, students were transformed into diplomats from different countries, debating a wide range of global issues. This helped enhance their understanding of world affairs and develop their leadership ability, and communication and negotiation skills. The event attracted over 200 local, mainland, and overseas students from more than 70 schools.

CityUHK is dedicated to providing young people with an inspiring, interactive and innovative education. As one of the world’s most international universities, CityUHK actively nurtures the next generation of leaders with a global perspective. In the past, CityUHK organised a university experiential camp and various activities for secondary school students to bring positive changes to society by strengthening community connections. These efforts also broaden the horizons of young people, helping them to imagine their future and pursue their dreams.