Sustainable development, according to the World Commission on Environment and Development, is :-

"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." ["Our Common Future", 1987]

In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive made it clear in his 1999 Policy Address our endeavour to building Hong Kong into a world-class city and making Hong Kong a clean, comfortable and pleasant home would require a fundamental change of mindset. Every citizen, every business, every Government Department and Bureau needs to start working in partnership to achieve sustainable development. In simple terms, sustainable development for Hong Kong means:

	finding ways to increase prosperity and improve the quality of life while reducing overall pollution and waste;
	meeting our own needs and aspirations without doing damage to the prospects of future generations; and
	reducing the environmental burden we put on our neighbours and helping to preserve common resources. ("1999 Policy Address")

In other words, the concept of sustainable development requires a change of mindset to bring about full integration of the needs for economic and social development with that to conserve the environment. It also requires the Government and all sectors of the community to work hand in hand in order to achieve a sustainable future for Hong Kong.

Please click here to watch an introductory video clip on sustainable development.

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