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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 September 1980 were confirmed.
STATEMENT
CHAIRMAN (in English):-It was a happy initiative when Boston convened the Great Cities of the World Conference last month. The immediate reason was to mark its 350th anniversary. It was also its aim to bring together thirty-six cities which had mostly distinguished themselves in some way of particular interest to the others.
However, the real significance of the unique occasion went far beyond the celebrations. In the event, it was a welcome opportunity to learn at first-hand what was being done in widely separate parts of the world, differing in circumstances and varying in attitudes. In effect, because of excellent organization and a thoughtful programme, the Conference introduced a new dimension to the working relations of decision-makers in some of the world's major cities. It was clear that new standards of performance were being set by many as real issues were examined frankly in a meeting of peers. Many truly outstanding development projects to meet the specific needs of different situations were discussed by top experts and city representatives.
Hong Kong was thus put on stage with many of the most dynamic cities in the world and shown in a different light altogether to the usual impression abroad of what it is and does. Indeed, it was seen in a new perspective by people whose opinion counts. Even the unfettered pursuit of money, thought of generally as the national sport here, was turned to good account as the only means of surviving without aid or protection, and as the sure way to create better living conditions for the citizens. Maximum utilization of scarce land for far more than essential municipal purposes prompted a keen inquiry into the efficacious measures taken not only to cope with the peculiar problems of terribly overcrowded conditions but even to improve the lifestyle of the common man in a positive way. The beneficial activities reaching into every crowded neighbourhood found no really matching experience of this magnitude, perhaps because the need did not arise elsewhere. Much interest was shown in the development of bicultural programmes to educate the young in a world of diversity where a pragmatic community lives and works together in harmony without question.
The Council's incisive action here in the years since its reconstitution shows a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the situation without being distracted by cosmetic exercises. It puts limited resources realistically to good social use for all without distinction, while modestly bettering the lot of the masses and giving a richer meaning to their daily life.
Preparations were put in hand here no sooner had this Council been invited to take part. A special publication was produced. It recounted the development of the City Hall as the progressive cultural centre of the community where in fact strong practical support is given by the Council to a host of hitherto neglected voluntary community organizations to promote the arts in every form. There was praise for the unparalleled projection into every urban neighbourhood of frequent and numerous civic, cultural, educational and entertainment activities besides countless sports and recreation events. In essence, this is a far-reaching policy in community service put into practice with vigour and conviction. Other publications were also distributed there and were well received. The press, radio and television helped to disseminate information as were actual contacts with a cross-section of people engaged in activities likely to benefit Hong Kong by continuing an exchange of views and experiences which has begun already. Even an outdoor entertainment programme was put on to advantage in addition to mounting a display in an exhibition of civic amenities and activities by participating cities. Still, a significant audio-visual presentation on the agenda was the highlight of Hong Kong's participation: it had the title 'Hong Kong: An International City in an Asian Setting'. It made an impact beyond expectations.
The Conference showed beyond doubt what many had known all along. Hong Kong could stand up and be counted among other leading cities for its civic achievements of quality over a broad front. In that eminently successful company, each city in its own way, it was recognized for its extraordinary efforts in the face of grave problems and serious difficulties, and also, unfortunately, die-hard attitudes and obstructive policies. It is gratifying recognition indeed of the bold and innovative action which created a more satisfying life for the people in seven short years. So it seems that a city too is not without credit save perhaps in its own territory.
PAPER
(Mr. Kenneth T. C. LO arrived during the Chairman's address.)
The following paper was laid on the table:
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1980.
67
Page 49 of 120
Page 49 of 120
66
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 September 1980 were confirmed.
STATEMENT
CHAIRMAN (in English):-It was a happy initiative when Boston convened the Great Cities of the World Conference last month. The immediate reason was to mark its 350th anniversary. It was also its aim to bring together thirty-six cities which had mostly distinguished themselves in some way of particular interest to the others.
However, the real significance of the unique occasion went far beyond the celebrations. In the event, it was a welcome opportunity to learn at first-hand what was being done in widely separate parts of the world, differing in circumstances and varying in attitudes. In effect, because of excellent organiza. tion and a thoughtful programme, the Conference introduced a new dimension to the working relations of decision-makers in some of the world's major cities. It was clear that new standards of performance were being set by many as real issues were examined frankly in a meeting of peers. Many truly outstanding development projects to meet the specific needs of different situations were discussed by top experts and city representatives.
Hong Kong was thus put on stage with many of the most dynamic cities in the world and shown in a different light altogether to the usual impression abroad of what it is and does. Indeed, it was seen in a new perspective by people whose opinion counts. Even the unfettered pursuit of money, thought of generally as the national sport here, was turned to good account as the only means of surviving without aid or protection, and as the sure way to create better living conditions for the citizens. Maximum utilization of scarce land for far more than essential municipal purposes prompted a keen inquiry into the efficacious measures taken not only to cope with the peculiar problems of terribly overcrowded conditions but even to improve the lifestyle of the common man in a positive way. The beneficial activities reaching into every crowded neighbourhood found no really matching experience of this magni. tude, perhaps because the need did not arise elsewhere. Much interest was shown in the development of bicultural programmes to educate the young in a world of diversity where a pragmatic community lives and works together in harmony without question.
The Council's incisive action here in the years since its reconstitution shows a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the situation without
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 49 of 120
67
being distracted by cosmetic exercises. It puts limited resources realistically to good social use for all without distinction, while modestly bettering the lot of the masses and giving a richer meaning to their daily life.
Preparations were put in hand here no sooner had this Council been invited to take part. A special publication was produced. It recounted the develop- ment of the City Hall as the progressive cultural centre of the community where in fact strong practical support is given by the Council to a host of hitherto neglected voluntary community organizations to promote the arts in every form. There was praise for the unparalleled projection into every urban neighbourhood of frequent and numerous civic, cultural, educational and entertainment activities besides countless sports and recreation events. In essence, this is a far-reaching policy in community service put into practice with vigour and conviction. Other publications were also distributed there and were well received. The press, radio and television helped to disseminate information as were actual contacts with a cross-section of people engaged in activities likely to benefit Hong Kong by continuing an exchange of views and experiences which has begun already. Even an outdoor entertainment programme was put on to advantage in addition to mounting a display in an exhibition of civic amenities and activities by participating cities. Still, a significant audio-visual presentation on the agenda was the highlight of Hong Kong's participation: it had the title 'Hong Kong: An International City in an Asian Setting'. It made an impact beyond expectations.
The Conference showed beyond doubt what many had known all along. Hong Kong could stand up and be counted among other leading cities for its civic achievements of quality over a broad front. In that eminently suc- cessful company, each city in its own way, it was recognized for its extra- ordinary efforts in the face of grave problems and serious difficulties, and also, unfortunately, die-hard attitudes and obstructive policies. It is gratifying recognition indeed of the bold and innovative action which created a more satisfying life for the people in seven short years. So it seems that a city too is not without credit save perhaps in its own territory.
PAPER
(Mr. Kenneth T. C. LO arrived during the Chairman's address.)
The following paper was laid on the table:
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and
Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1980.
Page 49 of 12
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