It is always a challenge to try to pinpoint what we mean by "sustainable development", given the wide spectrum of subjects it may involve. The 2002 World Summit in Johannesburg used the theme of "People, Planet, Prosperity" to convey the key elements of sustainability.

This is a simple and straightforward formula that helps to express in more accessible terms the noble concept of sustainable development, that is, our future depends on finding a proper balance between the creation of wealth, equal opportunities for our citizens and a respect for our natural and cultural heritage.

The Johannesburg World Summit showed clearly that there is widespread concern in all sectors of the global society for the sustainability of our current way of living. Many nations responded with a high level of commitment to achieving positive results from the Summit, with China in particular sending a high-level delegation, headed by the Premier, and including representatives from Hong Kong.

One of the key outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit was, of course, the Plan of Implementation, which aimed to set out key areas for action in pursuit of sustainable development worldwide. Here in Hong Kong we have taken good note of this document, as our local strategy for putting the principles of sustainable development into practice begins to take shape.

One of the most demanding challenges that we face in implementing sustainable development in our city is to effect a change of mindset that would encourage our citizens to think in terms of real longer-term benefits for our quality of life.

People want immediate solutions, not long-term benefits

Big cities are characterised by noise, by dense human and vehicular traffic, by the voracious consumption of goods and resources, and by gaps between lifestyles enjoyed by the rich and the poor. In such an environment, it is only natural that people tend to be more concerned with immediate problems and possibilities than with ensuring the sustainable viability of our society for the benefit of future generations.

Hong Kong features itself as Asia's world city. With our strategic location at the doorway to the Mainland of China and on the international time zone that bridges the time gap between America and Europe, Hong Kong has been serving as a global centre for trade, finance, business and communications.

Furthermore, in view of China's rapid economic development, Hong Kong has benefited enormously in all these areas. We now rank the 10th largest trading entity in the world, and operate the busiest container port in terms of throughput and one of the busiest airports in terms of number of passengers and volume of international cargo handled.

Quality of life issues rise to the fore

We are of course delighted to encourage continued investment and growth in our city, and we will do everything we can to further improve the physical and regulatory infrastructure that a modern world city needs in order to flourish economically. But at the same time, we recognise that there is more to being Asia's world city.

Increasingly, we, the Government must consider the aspiration of our society which is demanding that better attention be given to other aspects of life, beyond the creation of economic opportunities and the accumulation of material wealth.

The issue of sustainable public health has been very much on people's minds, brought into sharp focus by the unfortunate SARS outbreak last year and recent concerns about the spread of avian flu viruses.

Education takes on important role

Education is a key topic that is close to the heart of everyone. The concern is not only to seek to equip ourselves for a knowledge-based society that we will inevitably become, but also the keen desire for our next generation to excel - as the torch is passed on. Issues such as the preservation of our cultural heritage, availability of services for an ageing population present further challenges.

In recent years, the Hong Kong Government has sought gradually to make "sustainable development" an underlying principle in the formulation of new policies and programmes. In putting forward major new proposals, we require government agencies to critically evaluate the sustainable development angle and to consider its full implications before making a final decision.

Our aim is to ensure that in taking forward the programmes needed to consolidate our position as a modern city, we do not compromise the quality of life of our citizens, now or in the future.

Community must support sustainable development

Governments, both at the city and national levels, obviously have a pivotal role to play in implementing the principles of sustainable development. But the Johannesburg World Summit also recognised that it is essential for people and organisations outside governments, including the business sector and civil society, to also play a leading role in pushing towards more sustainable practices and lifestyles.

In March 2003, I appointed the Council for Sustainable Development, under the chairmanship of my Chief Secretary for Administration, to advise the Government on matters related to sustainable development and to champion the cause of sustainability within the community.

This Council will work with stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy for Hong Kong's sustainable development. It will also support the implementation of practical initiatives that will build capacity at all levels of the community, with the aim of encouraging the business, academic, non-government and other sectors to play their part in promoting a sustainable approach to the life in our city.

Key is to preserve healthy, pleasant natural environment

Our experience in recent years has brought into sharp belief the importance of addressing the principles of sustainable development in the governance of our cities.

In particular, the needs to maintain strong networks of support for our citizens and to preserve a healthy and pleasant natural environment have become clear priorities in the vision for our further development.

To achieve this vision of a society that is economically vibrant and socially inclusive, and that values its natural and cultural heritage, we need to do more than simply promote and encourage the concept of sustainable development. We have to implement them as a core feature of our future plans and projects.

The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation rightly emphasises the need for concrete action in this regard, including the setting of targets and a commitment to partnership between the various sectors of society.

Furthermore, we must not see the challenges to sustainability as resting only within the confines of our own cities. Rather, we should look to work closely with our neighbours in addressing these challenges, giving due weight to the concept of: "thinking globally, acting locally."

Information must be shared among neighbours

Our economic growth, our social progress and our ability to act as conscientious stewards of our natural environment will depend very much on cooperation and the sharing of information with neighbouring cities.

From that point of view, the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China is equally committed to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of principles of sustainable development of the whole country.

For us, working together with our neighbouring cities as partners to build on our respective strengths is important. I am optimistic that we will find durable ways of dealing with the objective of making our cities better for future generations.

Forum provides platform for further cooperation

This United Nations Leadership Forum is an important step towards greater understanding of how we can promote the sustainable development of our cities.

It also provides a platform for the renewal of existing partnerships and for further extending partnerships and cooperation within the region. I look forward to Hong Kong playing its part in helping to forge a sustainable future in which our people and our planet will prosper.