The Council for Hong Kong Sustainable Development Thursday launched its first consultation paper on a proposed sustainable development strategy.

Speaking at the launching ceremony at the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration, Donald Tsang, who is also the council's chairman, said the document represented a ground-breaking initiative by the council.

"The process of building the strategy is being done in a genuinely open, participatory and responsive way," Tsang said. "Intaking this process forward, we will not only emphasize the importance of partnership and inclusiveness, but also put these principles into practice."

The council's paper seeks the public's views on issues related to sustainable development in three areas, namely, solid waste management, renewable energy and urban living space.

Tsang emphasized that the theme of the document was about making choices for a sustainable future.

"If we want to live in a city that will meet our rising expectations for social and economic development and a pleasant nature environment, as well as be a place that our young people can grow up to take pride in, we will need to work together to ensure that our development is sustainable," he said.

The council's vice-chairman, Edgar Cheng, noted that the council had planned a series of events and activities to facilitate the public to share their ideas with the council.

The council was established in March 2003, aiming to engage thecommunity in a discussion about Hong Kong's sustainability.

Source: Xinhua