Hong Kong has to overcome obstacles and forge its own path in 2026, Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday, following a year filled with events of far-reaching significance to the city's development.

At a function announcing the top 10 events related to the government, Lee said the SAR experienced the success of the Legislative Council elections and impartial court rulings on national security cases.

He also said the territory experienced hard times together, citing the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze.

Looking ahead, the chief executive said Hong Kong should turn grief into growth while vowing to continue working to align with the nation's development.

"The government will consolidate and improve the executive-led governance model, unite all patriotic forces, continue to actively integrate and serve the country's development, and proactively align with national strategies such as the 15th Five-Year Plan," Lee said.

"At the same time, the government will carry out systemic reforms, break down the barriers of vested interests with determination, and make Hong Kong, our shared home, a better place."

Meanwhile, a poll that determined the city's most significant events of 2025 was co-organised by 30 media outlets, including RTHK.

The poll found that the three most significant events last year were the Legco elections, the Tai Po fire and the National Games.