A record number of nearly 80,000 students from 289 primary and secondary schools participated in the finale of the 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest on Saturday, utilizing the event to enhance their knowledge of the nation’s foreign policy and develop a global perspective.

Themed “Love Diplomacy, Love the World”, this year’s competition saw the highest student participation since its launch in 2007.

The final included two sessions, including a “simulations” part that required contestants to respond as “diplomats” to specific thematic situations, such as China’s path to modernization and international geopolitics, and answer a question from the judges based on that subject.

The championship in the secondary schools category went to students from Caritas Tuen Mun Marden Foundation Secondary School.

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Speaking at the awards ceremony, Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said the final wasn’t only a contest of diplomatic knowledge, but also a stage for students to demonstrate their youthful vigor and patriotic sentiments.

He said today’s world is mired in great changes not seen in a century, with growing unilateralism and protectionism, posing challenges to Hong Kong's development.

Under the circumstances, Hong Kong youth should take up local responsibilities with a sense of patriotism in order to find the right direction amid global transformations, Cui said. “I believe youths can tell Hong Kong’s stories better than us.”

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said it’s encouraging to see Hong Kong students being more concerned about foreign affairs.

This year’s theme also points out that a changing international environment can be better coped with a deeper understanding of diplomacy, he said.

Launched in 2007, the competition is jointly organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, the SAR’s Education Bureau and the Better Hong Kong Foundation.

Contact the writer at: atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com