CS and SHYA host training on district governance for incoming members of the seventh term District Councils (18.12.2023)
18.12.2023

The seventh term of District Councils (DCs) will commence on January 1, 2024. In order to let the incoming DC members better understand their duties and start their work as soon as possible, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau held two training sessions on district governance at the North Point Community Hall today (December 18) for all incoming DC members in batches. The morning session was dedicated to nine DCs in the urban areas (i.e. Central and Western District, Eastern District, Southern District, Wan Chai, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin and Yau Tsim Mong) while the afternoon session was dedicated to nine DCs in the New Territories (i.e. Islands District, Kwai Tsing, North District, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, delivered remarks at the two training sessions. He congratulated all incoming DC members and stressed that, after the reform, the new-term DCs are an important part of improving district governance. DCs have returned to their positioning as district advisory and service bodies, which are not organs of political power, under the Basic Law. DCs must firmly accord top priority to national security, fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and fully live up to executive-led governance, with a view to enhancing the efficacy of district governance. Mr Chan urged all incoming DC members to make every effort to support the improved district governance system in ensuring effective communication between the Government and the public by closely connecting with people. They should collect their opinions on district livelihoods and reflect them to the Government. In addition to providing important support for various government departments in formulating policy initiatives, DC members should assist the Steering Committee on District Governance and the Task Force on District Governance, chaired by him and the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration respectively, in carrying out top-level supervision and co-ordination. While the relevant departments and the District Services and Community Care Teams will implement the district services and measures formulated accordingly, DCs should also assist in explaining and promoting government policy at district level. Mr Chan sincerely hoped that all the incoming DC members would fully support the Government in implementing good governance, fully deliver the consultative and service functions of DCs, and fulfil their responsibilities to solve the pressing difficulties and problems that are of great concern to the public as well as serve the community with practical deeds in the interests of people. He also hoped that all the incoming DC members would continuously enhance people's sense of security, achievement and satisfaction. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, hosted the two training sessions on district governance. She briefed the incoming DC members on the structure of district governance, the functions and positioning of the DCs, as well as the responsibility of DC members. Miss Mak particularly pointed out that DCs are not organs of political power under Article 97 of the Basic Law, but serve as the Government’s enabler in district governance, helping the Government gauge and understand public opinion in a timely manner, implement policy measures and respond to the community’s aspirations. In order to address public expectations, DC members should perform their functions diligently, comply with the Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Members of District Councils and the District Council Standing Orders. During the training, Miss Mak requested the incoming DC members to pay district visits to gather public views, to better carry out district consultation and services work. Miss Mak also shared her experiences and insights on district work and exchanged views with the incoming DC members. The incoming DC members enthusiastically engaged in the training and actively raised questions regarding the work of the new term of DCs. In response to their questions, Miss Mak provided relevant advice and guidance to assist them in performing their duties. Ends/Monday, December 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:04 NNNN