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The Administration will work to ensure that women of Hong Kong can reach their full potential through education, training and community support, says the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa.

It has set up the Equal Opportunities Commission, enacted the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and faithfully implemented the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

"These are important steps," he said while acknowledging the great achievements of the women of Hong Kong in building up the family and contributing to the economy and the community as a whole.

On the younger generation, Mr Tung looked to them to search continuously for knowledge, to be creative and to play an active role in the community.

"The qualities, skills and sense of belonging of our young people will determine what Hong Kong will become.

"I encourage them to take pride in their Chinese heritage, yet also to develop an international perspective, seeking not only to assert their rights as individuals, but also to meet their obligations to the wilder community," he said.

The Commission on Youth has completed its study on youth development and mapped out the direction for young people to follow in order to realise their full potential.

Mr Tung said that in the coming year, the Administration would work with the Commission and other organisations to reinforce and promote positive values among young people, to provide programmes on leadership and life-skills training, and to create opportunities for voluntary work and exchange programmes with other countries.

He called on the young generation to take part in more activities which would deepen their knowledge of the Mainland.

To provide a focal point for youth development activities, he said that the Chai Wan Community Centre would be re-developed into a facility specifically for this purpose.

"I endorse the commission's call for the whole community to take ownership of the challenge of developing our young people's qualities.

"This will require the efforts of parents, teachers and ultimately young people themselves," Mr Tung said.

End/Wednesday, October 7, 1998

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