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    Following is the speech (English only) by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Red Cross Red Crescent Tsunami Response Forum held at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine this morning (March 3):

Thank you, Mr Niskala. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    Good morning.

    It is an honour to officiate at the opening of this Red Cross Red Crescent Tsunami Response Forum.  On behalf of the people and Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend a warm welcome to representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the United Nations, and especially those people from countries that were directly affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami tragedy.

    It was, as we all know, one of the worst natural disasters in modern history.  More than 150,000 lives were lost.  Thousands of people remain missing, and the exact number of victims will probably never be known. Millions more have lost their homes and livelihoods.

    This was a massive tragedy, and it elicited a massive worldwide humanitarian response.  People and nations around the globe were stirred into action to offer donations and other forms of assistance.  Here in Hong Kong, we were shocked and deeply moved by the plight of the tsunami victims - not only because a number of Hong Kong people were directly involved in the catastrophe, but also because it happened in our neighbourhood, and because we have many people from the affected countries living among us in this, Asia's world city.

    Very quickly, the Hong Kong community mobilised to help the tsunami victims and their families.  Media coverage was extensive.  Many organisations, public and private, launched fund-raising campaigns.  Several private corporations were among the most active and generous.  Hong Kong people from all walks of life queued up to make donations.

    For its part, the Government made donations to NGOs through our Disaster Relief Fund, and also responded to direct appeals from the governments of affected countries for cash grants and relief supplies.  The Disaster Relief Fund stands ready to allocate more money if needed, and the Government continues to work closely with Consuls-General and Honorary Consuls from affected countries to provide emergency aid where necessary.  In the weeks since the disaster, Hong Kong as a whole, including government, private sector and individual donations, has contributed more than $500 million to disaster relief in South Asia.  This outpouring of compassion put Hong Kong people among the biggest per capita private donors in the world.  It is a clear demonstration of their generosity and strong sense of global citizenship - something they should be proud of.

    Although it has been two months since the disaster, the real work has only just begun.  The entire recovery and rehabilitation operation could take five to 10 years.  The global community needs to sustain its commitment to helping the tsunami victims recover from their suffering, and to rebuild their homes and their lives.

    It is therefore heartening that this international forum has brought together frontline aid professionals and representatives of the affected countries to enhance the co-ordination of relief efforts in the long-term rebuilding and reconstruction process.

    Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for choosing Hong Kong to host this important forum.  Our deep respect also goes to all those from the international agencies who have worked selflessly and tirelessly to help people in badly hit areas.  May your dedication inspire us all to keep up the good work.

    Thank you very much.

Ends/Thursday, March 3, 2005

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