Home and family

Hong Kong used to be a place of transit. People of different backgrounds, social strata and nationalities came to live here only temporarily, waiting to return to their homelands or to migrate to other countries sooner or later.

For those who stayed on and settled down here, although they came from many different places, they stuck by each other through thick and thin and sailed ahead together on the same ship. They grew up with the city, and with hard work and a shared commitment (as portrayed in the Canto-pop song "Under the Lion Rock"), turned it into the metropolis it is today. The strong fraternity that developed among them has far surpassed the relationship of mere tenants. In our minds, Hong Kong is more than a city. We are emotionally attached to it. Because of this attachment, the word "home" takes on a new meaning. In the past, by saying "Hong Kong is our home", we referred to the millions of small families living in Hong Kong. Today, the same saying refers to one big family of seven million people, with our lives and destinies linked together.

I put forward the vision of "Hong Kong is our home" with a view to enhancing the sense of belonging and uniting the energy of Hong Kong people, regardless of nationality, religion, background or whether they work inside or outside Hong Kong, so that we can all move forward together under a caring and mutually supportive culture. This vision is symbolised on the cover of my first Policy Address by a picture of children, including two from ethnic minorities.

Today, the Chief Secretary for Administration and other government officials launched the "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign. This public participation campaign aims to inject positive energy into our community, foster social cohesion and promote care and commitment towards this place we call home.

The Campaign has four themes, namely 'Vibrant Hong Kong', 'Hip Hong Kong', 'Caring Hong Kong' and 'Fresh Hong Kong', which echo my Policy Address initiatives in relations to sports, culture, poverty alleviation and environmental protection etc. As the Campaign emphasises public participation, the Government is providing a common platform for activities and events with the same goals to be pooled together to create greater synergy.

We may not share the same past, but we certainly share a common future. With one heart and one vision, Hong Kong people, like one big family, can overcome any difficulties.

April 23, 2013