Chief Executive John Lee said on Sunday that it's important for young people to tell the world a good story about Hong Kong whenever possible.

Delivering a speech at an awards ceremony for a national English-speaking competition, Lee said such events provide opportunities for further exchanges between Hong Kong students and their mainland counterparts.

Lee said the one demand he has of students is for them to tell the world the good things about Hong Kong.

"Whenever you can, do tell a good Hong Kong story, and a good story of One Country, Two Systems to the world," he said.

"It is paramount for the global community to know our achievements and unique advantages for us to continue to shine as the Pearl of the Orient."

Lee quoted President Xi Jinping as saying last month that young people are crucial to Hong Kong, as the city will only prosper when its young people thrive.

The CE said his team is working on a comprehensive youth policy blueprint to help with upward mobility and encourage young people to realise their dreams.

He also called on young people to give their views during a public consultation exercise for his policy address in October.