CityUHK co-organises Model United Nations Conference and summer leadership programme to nurture global young AI leaders
Young people from various countries and cultural backgrounds gathered at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) this summer to exchange ideas, discuss solutions to global challenges, and experience university life. Committed to promoting community engagement and youth development, CityUHK partnered with See Change Education and the Hong Kong Innovative Education Association (HKIEA) to co-organise the SCMUN Conference 2026. The programme provided an immersive learning experience for 170 young participants from 58 schools. Among them, some local secondary school students received scholarships sponsored by HKIEA to take part in the event, broadening their horizons and enhancing their leadership skills through cross-cultural exchanges and discussions on international issues.
During the five-day training camp and two-day conference, participants experienced CityUHK’s young and international campus environment. They attended lectures by Professor Ho Chin-pang, Associate Head of the Department of Data Science, and Professor Vincent Ko Chi-chiu in the Department of Chemistry, who introduced emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart materials. Participants visited several of the University’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health, the JCC Anatomy Teaching Laboratory and the JCC Necropsy Suite at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences. In addition, they explored the exhibitions “Story of the Ocean Giants: Cetaceans and Sea Turtles” and “The Power of Play”. To further immerse themselves in university life, participants stayed at CityUHK’s student residence in Ma On Shan.
See Change Education provided professional training in a Model United Nations and debating skills and organised four workshops led by industry experts. Covering topics such as media, business, sports and cybersecurity, the workshops enabled students to strengthen their communication, leadership, negotiation and problem-solving abilities, while also exploring potential future career paths through a diverse range of activities.
Jett Lai Li-ting from Heung To Middle School noted that he had met a lot of friends and industry professionals, giving him valuable opportunities to network. He described the event as a unique chance to explore different fields. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Chung Ni-fu from Kowloon True Light School described the conference as an eye-opening experience, as it allowed her to connect with delegates from different schools and learn more about the real-world issues facing society today.
Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK, said that the University has always attached great importance to community engagement and sustainable development. In addition to welcoming students from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the United Kingdom and Mongolia, the programme sponsored local secondary school students from diverse backgrounds to ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality education. The event promoted innovation and experiential learning, while providing valuable opportunities for students to discuss and negotiate global issues, learn about diplomacy, international cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution, and develop into future leaders with a global perspective.
Ms Rita Pang Yat-sum, Founder of See Change Education, said, “SCMUN sets out to help young people find their voices. Today, we’re building the next generation of amplified thinkers at a pivotal time in our history, a time where creative, intentional use of AI for good will set the stage for human flourishing.” She advised the students to think, speak and read more, and seize the opportunities to play with purpose.
