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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED 2010)today (June 1):
Mr Campbell Mckee (Representative of Unwin Safety Systems), Prof Sandra Rosenbloom (International Secretary of the US Transportation Research Board), Mr M B Lee (Chairman of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation), Mr Benny Cheung (Chairman of International Steering Committee of TRANSED 2010), Dr Ernest Lee (Chairman of Scientific Committee of TRANSED 2010), Mr Augustine Choi (Chairman of Local Organising Committee of TRANSED 2010), Ms Mabel Chau (Co-chairman of Local Organising Committee of TRANSED 2010), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, welcoming and inclusive city which, for many years, has been Asia's leading cities in promoting the rights of seniors and persons with disabilities.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has entered into force and applied to Hong Kong since August 2008. Recognising the importance of accessibility in enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms is a common vision of the international society.
Held every three years since 1978, TRANSED conferences are milestone events in the field of accessible transportation, attracting researchers, policy-makers, transport operators, consumers and other specialists worldwide to share innovations and best practices in order to make transportation and mobility accessible to everyone.
We are proud that the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation is hosting the prestigious TRANSED 2010 which aims to build a more inclusive society for everyone.
The programme of TRANSED 2010 will include workshops, meetings, technical sessions and visits, as well as an exhibition which is open to the general public. One of the highlights is the international Disability Forum organised in partnership with the United States Easter Seal Project Action. Delegates with disabilities will gather to exchange views and experiences on how improved accessibility and mobility can enhance their ability to function in society. With the subvention of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of Hong Kong SAR Government, there will be an exhibition area on "Accessible Community Zone" with provision of ramps, accessible playground and ATM machine, etc, for the visitors to experience the various accessible facilities available in the community.
I congratulate the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation most warmly on hosting this important event. I wish you all a fruitful and inspiring conference and an enjoyable stay in this vibrant and exciting city.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:50
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