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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the United Way International World Assembly 2000 "Building Community Through Social Responsibility" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (May 4).
Chairman Arthur Bellis, President Robert Beggan,
Mr Murray Martin, Mr Charles Lee, distinguished guests, friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here today. I am particularly grateful, Mr Martin, for those very generous and kind words. It is a tremendous responsibility for me and for my colleagues in the government as well as the whole six and a half million people to fulfill the challenges of the 21st Century. But I think you are right that together we are going to be able to do it.
I am honoured to be associated with an international charitable organisation that plays such an important role in helping to raise funds for worthy community causes in over 30 countries and regions. It is the first time Hong Kong has been chosen to host the United Way International World Assembly and I hope that the warmth of the reception you receive here will encourage you to come back again and again.
The theme for the World Assembly, "Building Community Through Social Responsibility", provides a precious opportunity to share experiences and information and to explore ideas in enhancing fund-raising initiatives as you work towards the common goal of a cohesive and a caring society worldwide. We don't have to look far to see the ever increasing need for funds for a whole range of community-related social and welfare projects or for disaster relief programmes in different parts of the world. No doubt these competing demands can make it just that little bit harder for charitable organisations to find the resources they require to fund their various programmes. Having said that, however, I can attest to the generosity of the Hong Kong people who, over the past two or three years in particular, have dug deep into their pockets to support the relief effort of the natural disasters that have hit the Mainland China and other parts of the region; as well as giving generously to the Hong Kong Community Chest for its on-going projects. I am sure it is a situation with which most of you are all too familiar. But I am always moved by the way this community in Hong Kong rallies behind these causes.
Despite the higher standards of living brought about, in many cases, by economic development, there are still people who have to struggle for survival, for reasons of poverty, illness or physical incapacity. These problems are not only confined to the developing world. In every country there are less fortunate people who need help to maintain even the semblance of a reasonably decent life. And a lot more needs to be done on a worldwide basis to help provide assistance. This is where the role of organisations such as the United Way International are so important. You have done a magnificent job in raising funds and in exploring new and innovative ways to appeal to the community at large to contribute to these causes financially and voluntarily.
I am pleased to say that over the years, the Hong Kong government has established an effective and strong partnership with the welfare sector and the community, in working towards the goals of providing well-targeted, quality and cost-effective welfare services and building a just and caring community.
Today, we have a highly developed system of welfare services and institutions, comparable to any in Asia. We provide an extensive range of preventive, developmental, remedial and support services for the vulnerable members of our community. This financial year, recurrent public expenditure on welfare is estimated to reach almost HK$30 billion (US$3.8 billion), just over 14% of total recurrent expenditure. This represents an increase of some 126% over the past 5 years. Nearly a quarter of the total amount will be given to non-government agencies to operate direct welfare services.
It is simply not possible for us as a government to achieve our policy objectives in providing services for the elderly, for family and child welfare, for the youth, rehabilitation and social security, without working hand in hand with the welfare sector and the community at large. And, we are fortunate that the strong partnership we have forged with non-government organisations continues to grow. Donations, both in time and money, are vitally important if the community is to help provide the services necessary for those who are vulnerable and for those who find themselves in disadvantaged circumstances. This is where we all have an important and a personal role to play.
Non-profit-making organisations capable of mobilising communities around the world to care for the needy are, therefore, an essential part of our lives in the 21st century, as they have been in the century just ended. One that is as strong and influential as UWI fits neatly into this category. And, the Hong Kong Community Chest, being an affiliate organisation has contributed to these efforts since 1968 and successfully raised significant funds for welfare agencies. Last financial year, the figure was over HK$210 million (US$27 million) notwithstanding the Asian financial turmoil. So, the Chest can be justifiably proud of its achievements over the past 30 years and I am confident there'll be no resting on laurels. Today, some 800,000 people benefit through its 140 social welfare agencies. Just as importantly, the Community Chest is sharing its experiences and knowledge with other charitable fund-raisers in Mainland China, with the aim to enabling more people in need to benefit. From the inspirational example of the Hong Kong Community Chest, it is easy to imagine the tremendous contribution made by United Way International across the whole world.
I hope we can build on our existing strengths and strive for greater achievements, by counting on the dedication and support from many professionals in the field and above all, the active participation of the entire community. In this way, I am sure Hong Kong, in the new millennium, will become an even more caring and compassionate society.
To all of you here today at the UWI World Assembly 2000, I wish you every success. You have an extremely interesting and varied programme over the next two and a half days and I look forward to hearing the results of your deliberations. Any measures that can help to improve fund-raising initiatives and activities and, as a result, enhance services to the under-privileged throughout the world will be most welcome.
Thank you very much.
Photo:Picture shows Mr Tung receives a souvenir plaque presented by the Board Chairman of UWI, Mr Arthur Bellis (right) and Board member of UWI and President of Pitney Bowes International, Mr Murray Martin (left) after declaring the opening of the United Way International World Assembly 2000.
End/Thursday, May 4, 2000
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