A new training programme on the rule of law is aimed at teaching people correct legal concepts such as the importance of respecting the law and abiding by it, the justice secretary said on Wednesday.

Authorities held the first round of the training in November, with dozens of leaders of youth uniformed groups and youth organisations taking part.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam told RTHK's Overview Policy programme that while it's important to focus on the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law, there's also a need for people to learn what the rule of law is all about.

"We are not teaching people to be lawyers, but instead teaching them the concept of the rule of law. For example, what is the spirit of the rule of law? Why do we need to respect the law? What is the role of the law in society? Why do we have to abide by the law consciously?," he said.

"We need to utilise a lot of people to convey this message to the general public."

On Hong Kong's role in legal and dispute resolution services, Lam said he hopes an international organisation for mediation could be set up in the SAR.

"The ultimate goal is to have this organisation be established in Hong Kong... Our status will be equivalent to the Hague in Europe," he said.