Foreword

This year marks the 27^th year since Hong Kong's return to the Motherland. It is also an important year for Hong Kong to transit "from chaos to order" and advance "from stability to prosperity". The Government has reformed the District Councils (DCs) and strengthened the district governance structure, fully implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". The seventh-term DCs, which assumed office on 1 January this year, have taken on a new dimension, performing their functions under the improved district governance structure. Also, the District Services and Community Care Teams of all the 18 districts that were fully activated in the third quarter of last year have joined hands with the reformed DCs to promote district development. Under the leadership of the Steering Committee on District Governance and the Task Force on District Governance, governance at the district level has been enhanced, which injects new energy into the community. To promote the local economy, the Home Affairs Department and the DCs have launched various activities under "Day x Night Vibes @18 Districts" this year, which include trendy markets, art exhibitions, gourmet carnivals, traditional cultural experiences, etc., receiving a warm applause from the public.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance officially took effect on 23 March this year. It signifies that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility and accomplished a historic mission since its return to the Motherland in 1997, and ensures effective protection of national security, so that we can adopt a precise approach in developing our economy and improving people's livelihood without worries to proactively integrate into the overall development of the country for building a better home together.

In celebration of the 27^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR, the Home Affairs Department, in collaboration with various sectors of the community, is rolling out a wide array of exciting activities in the 18 districts to share the joy of Hong Kong's return to the Motherland. Come to join us and have fun. Let us sustain our efforts in making Hong Kong a more prosperous and harmonious place and helping fuel the development of our country.