Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the World Autism Awareness Day 2026 Major Plenary Event today (April 2):
      
Professor Shahbaz Khan (Director and Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Regional Office for East Asia; and Chair of the United Nations Theme Group on Disability in China), Mr Carlson Tong (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited), Mr Damien Green (Founder of the Hong Kong Autism Institute), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to address this distinguished gathering on World Autism Awareness Day, which brings together policymakers, professionals, advocates and stakeholders.
      
     You are all united in advancing not just awareness, but inclusion, so that autistic people can enjoy a better quality of life. That journey, from awareness to inclusion, is driven by the very mindset captured in today's plenary theme: "thinking differently".
      
     Autism brings distinctive strengths, unique perspectives, and remarkable potential, alongside challenges that demand understanding and acceptance. In a world that is growing more attuned to human cognitive diversity, the right support can turn difference into an opportunity for connection. That is what it means to think differently: choosing understanding over assumption, acceptance over exclusion. When we do, difference becomes strength, and potential becomes progress - for individuals and for society.
      
     Awareness is our starting point. Inclusion is our destination. Action is the bridge that joins them. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is building that bridge through a life‑course commitment to inclusion. We prioritise early identification and timely support, ensuring children and families receive the support they need from the very start.
      
     In education, we foster a whole-school approach with tiered support for students with diverse learning needs, backed by close home‑school collaboration, so every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
      
     Beyond the classroom, we partner with community organisations to strengthen training and employment pathways. Our goal is to help autistic people develop their talents, participate fully in society, and pursue lives of fulfilment.
      
     Government action lays the foundation, but inclusion is ultimately built in classrooms, in workplaces, and in the everyday moments of connection between us. I look forward to the insights and partnerships that will emerge from today's discussions. Let us turn understanding into lasting action.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, let this day stand for more than awareness; let it stand for sustained commitment. Together, we can remove barriers, embrace the richness of diversity, and enable every person to contribute, to belong, and to shine.
      
     I wish you all a successful and impactful day. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, April 2, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

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