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Following is a translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition on Sustainable Development in Hong Kong for the 21st Century today (Thursday):
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition on Sustainable Development in Hong Kong for the 21st Century today.
As we enter the 21st Century, various countries in the world are faced with many challenges, such as overpopulation, shortage of resources as well as environmentally unfriendly activities. These countries are increasingly concerned about the issue of the availability of the development opportunities that we enjoy today to our next generations.
The concept of "sustainable development" was generated from the Earth Summit of the United Nations held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. At the conference, members endorsed an action plan known as the "Agenda 21", which provided a layout plan for the adoption of countries all over the world for their development in the 21st Century. At present, over 100 countries, including China, have already worked out an individual "Agenda 21" on the basis of this blueprint. The Agenda stresses the responsibility that we have for different levels of the community. We should make the optimal use of our resources and protect our environment in the course of economic development. The major aim of "sustainable development" is to remind the governments of various countries, the business community, social organizations and individuals that we should strive for progress and advancement in different areas at no expense of the development opportunity of our next generations.
Over the past three decades, Hong Kong has developed rapidly and we are all proud of our achievements. Yet, while we benefit from a rich material life and the sophisticated infrastructures we have developed, we shall never overlook the problems that come with our development. Some of the major concerns of people at large are the air quality, marine and river pollution, and some indiscernible ecological problems. For instance, more and more animal species are on the verge of extinction. This is an alarming sign that something might have gone wrong in the quality of our environment.
Is it inevitable that our environment would be adversely affected by our economic and infrastructural development? It is not necessarily so . The principle of "sustainable development" is that under far-sighted and appropriate planning, we will be able to launch large-scale development projects while taking due care of our environment as well as protecting the public interests at different levels. The quintessence of "sustainable development" lies in well-planned development. In the course of development, we should take the social, economic and environmental objectives into account.
In September 1997, we launched a study on the Sustainable Development in Hong Kong for the 21st Century. The purpose of the study is to work out a tailor-made strategic mechanism for Hong Kong for the assessment of the long-term impact of each and every development project or measure we are putting forward. In fact, I have already mentioned this study in my first policy address delivered in October 1997.
The success of "sustainable development" depends on the support and participation of the general public. Through this exhibition, we wish to explain to the Hong Kong people how "sustainable development" is closely linked with our everyday life and hope that this concept can take root in our community. In formulating our policies, the administration will adhere to the principle of "sustainable development" and take it as a blueprint as we march into the 21st Century. The government is determined to realise this concept, aiming for continued competitiveness of Hong Kong in the long run and a better living environment for ourselves as well as our next generations. In due course, we will consult various participating organisations on the implementation of the "sustainable development".
Finally, I would like to thank you all for coming to the exhibition today. I hope that you would enjoy what we have prepared for you here and let us have your opinions.
End/Thursday, April 2, 1998
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