九龍城區議員黃文莉在聯合國人權理事會第60屆會議期間，參加由中國民間組織國際交流促進會（中促會）舉辦的“平等，人權及包容性發展”邊會並發言。

以下是黃文莉議員的發言全文：

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, organizers, and colleagues. It is an honour to speak at this panel as a District Councillor of Kowloon City and share our commitment to equality, human rights, and inclusive development under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems.” Hong Kong’s strength lies in its diversity, and as a District Councillor, I am proud to highlight our concrete efforts to ensure no community is left behind.

Kowloon City District stands as a shining example of Hong Kong's multicultural identity, with over 10% of our population comprising ethnic minorities from different backgrounds. This harmony was severely tested during the 2019 black-clad violence that tore at our social fabric. I remember vividly how a Pakistani family living in the district I serve shared their heartbreaking story - their children feared going to school, their generations-old provision store struggled to stay open, and they contemplated leaving the city they called home. My own journey mirrors this concern for Hong Kong's future - having returned from studies in London in 2017 full of optimism, the 2019 turmoil made even simple commutes fraught with anxiety. These experiences crystallized my understanding of how fundamental stability is to every aspect of life, ultimately motivating me to serve as a District Councillor.

The implementation of the National Security Law marked a turning point, restoring order and creating space for healing. That same Pakistani family has not just revived their store but expanded into a successful halal restaurant. Their children now flourish in local schools, and they actively participate in community affairs. This transformation demonstrates how the National Security Law has protected not just our city's safety, but the fundamental rights and the daily freedoms we cherish - the freedom to work, to learn, and to dream without fear.

With stability secured, we can work towards what truly matters, improving livelihoods and creating equal opportunities for all. Recognizing that good governance begins at the grassroots level, our government has implemented significant reforms to strengthen district councils and enhance local governance structures. These reforms are designed to make governance more responsive, effective, and capable of delivering real improvements to people's daily lives. But government action alone is not enough. Our most successful initiatives emerge from powerful collaborations - between public institutions, civil society organizations, and the communities themselves. This three-way partnership ensures our policies are not just well-intentioned but truly grounded in local needs and realities.

In order to enhance the efficacy of district governance and people’s sense of achievement and satisfaction, the Government announced proposals on improving governance at the district level to reform the District Councils and strengthen the district governance structure. Our initiatives are driven by collaboration between government, civil society, and communities.

The Race Relations Unit under the Home Affairs Department, alongside eight government-commissioned Ethnic Minority Care Teams, engages thousands of minority households annually through outreach and tailored services, from language support to cultural integration programs. The recent Policy Address 2025 has significantly enhanced our support systems, expanding from eight to ten Ethnic Minority Care Teams to ensure no neighbourhood is left behind. A new Interpretation and Translation Service Centre are being established to break down language barriers in healthcare, education and legal services, while creating dedicated Youth and Women Networks across all support centres.

On another spectrum, Cultural celebration is equally vital to inclusion. In Kowloon City, we host events like the annual “Songkran Festival”—a vibrant celebration of Thai culture that has grown into a symbol of unity. This year, we partnered with the Thai Consulate to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, blending traditional festivities with economic opportunities for local businesses. Such events not only honour heritage but also strengthen social cohesion by fostering mutual understanding. The event has grown from a local celebration into a citywide symbol of unity, attracting over 130,000 visitors over the weekend and generating significant economic opportunities for both local and ethnic minority entrepreneurs.

Empowering women and youth are another cornerstone of our work. The "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme, now in its second year, connects young women—including those from ethnic minorities—with female leaders to bridge gaps in professional development. Similarly, our Ethnic Minority Support Centres are establishing dedicated Youth and Women Networks across all ten centres, offering language training, skills development, and community-building activities tailored to their needs.

Hong Kong remains steadfast in its pledge to leave no one behind. As we approach the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, Hong Kong stands ready to complement our existing anti-discrimination laws and economic inclusion programs. By centring inclusivity in development, we not only uphold human rights but also unlock the full potential of our society. Let us continue this journey together, sharing best practices and reaffirming that diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to celebrate. I invite everyone to walk through Kowloon City’s bustling streets, taste our multicultural flavours, and speak directly with our communities. Thank you!