The Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (CBLPSC) today held its fourth meeting to review the progress and achievements of promoting patriotic education across Hong Kong.
CBLPSC Chairman and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will capitalise on several upcoming festive occasions, commemorative dates and events in the second half of this year to launch a series of patriotic education activities.
Key commemorative milestones include the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army’s Long March and the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birthday. Hong Kong will also mark the 30th anniversary of its return to the motherland next year.
“It aims to let Hong Kong citizens gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and present achievements, as well as how Hong Kong can fully integrate into and serve the overall national development, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and affection for and sense of belonging to the country,” he said.
Mr Chan emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to promoting patriotic education. It remains dedicated to fostering mainstream values centred on patriotism and affection for the country and Hong Kong, in alignment with the “one country, two systems” principle.
He noted that over the past two years, the Government has worked closely with the Working Group to unite patriotic forces across the Government and various sectors of society. “I am delighted to see that the spirit of patriotism has now taken root in society and people’s hearts, and that the patriotic and Hong Kong-loving atmosphere within the community has also improved significantly,” he added.
He highlighted that the Government utilised special festive and commemorative occasions last year to organise well-received events. These included activities marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang’s water supply to Hong Kong, and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.
During the meeting, Mr Chan also welcomed the new Convenor of the Working Group Eliza Chan, alongside four new members. He also expressed his gratitude to the former convenor, Starry Lee, for her contributions.