US dialogue efforts, President Xi Jinping’s warm reception in San Francisco, including from business leaders, and China’s still-impressive economic growth say it all.

The attendance of top bankers reflects the opportunities on the horizon for Hong Kong and the long-term prospects for economic growth on the mainland.

Amid polarising opinions and rising hate crime, we can at least agree that Palestinians need humanitarian relief, and that Hamas’ goal of escalating the conflict into a regional war must be stopped.

The bulk of government spending on sports development now goes to community sports, while funding for the professionalisation of sports is also falling short. There is also a solid case for reviewing funding for popular sports like football, which inspired strong support during the recent Asian Games.

The balloon saga showed that media narratives can paint an untrue picture, helping hardline Republicans push Joe Biden to retaliate against China. The same mistake must not be allowed to happen with Hong Kong’s trade offices.

Young people released after serving jail time for their role in the 2019 protests or on national security law offences have paid a heavy price and we must all move forward. The government can take the lead by offering them civil service jobs.

Engaging with the community is an important part of policymaking but when officials end up moving in the same few circles, it becomes exclusive and wasteful.

From charities supporting those in need around the world to individuals and organisations making their mark on the global cultural map, Hong Kong has many unofficial goodwill ambassadors.

Such media reports only make things worse, heightening tensions and fears, and distracting from China’s attempts at economic recovery, so crucial to global prosperity.

The Tavistock gender clinic scandal in the UK, transgender sporting controversies, growing media coverage of the debate, and the use of different pronouns have left many in Hong Kong feeling confused and even fearful.

The US top court’s decision ending affirmative action – amid increasingly vocal opposition and changing public opinion – bans a policy that is credited with making higher education more diverse but is also controversial.

The work-from-home trend and tourist downturn during the pandemic fuelled business closures, exacerbating urban decay in an area already struggling with crime and homelessness. Hopefully, progress can be made on the mayor’s revitalisation plan before the city hosts world leaders in November.

Should areas of outstanding natural beauty be destroyed when there are better solutions to our housing problem? Given the government’s long-term housing strategy, using part of a golf course to build 12,000 flats seems to be a short-term move to deflect talk of elitism.

Respect, understanding and tolerance of others’ cultural values are fundamental to an open and inclusive society. Working more closely across the international community is the only way to overcome the most difficult challenges facing humanity.

Singapore has become a victim of its own success, with the cost of living skyrocketing on the back of overheated property and car ownership markets, while Hong Kong’s strong recovery continues to offer abundant economic opportunities.

Through liaison office director’s message, the central government has shown it believes it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain the status quo in Hong Kong. Despite the geopolitical challenges, the city has a real chance to play a global role – if it is proactive.

Using the dollar to punish countries or keep them in line is causing geopolitical rifts and fears on top of a blooming of payment and settlement alternatives. Yet what the world needs to rise to its many challenges is more engagement, dialogue and collaboration.

Judging from the appetite and feedback from participants, a bright future awaits the local arts scene and Hong Kong’s ambitions to be an international cultural centre.

As Hong Kong’s population ages, those caring for elderly relatives often lack support, resources or the ability to make decisions concerning their loved ones. Creating a central depository for legal documents would ensure the wishes of the elderly regarding finances or medical treatment are met.

Busy events calendar in March alone will help restore confidence and signal to the world that Hong Kong has moved on from Covid-19.

The men-only guest list for the launch of the city’s new tourism campaign was a regrettable oversight, especially given how little it reflects the current diversity in government and efforts to promote it in the private sector.

Those jailed for their roles in the 2019 protests will understandably face tremendous difficulties in finding employment upon release. Yet if our city is to heal past wounds, we must help ex-offenders become productive members of society again, and this is where employers play a crucial role.

One US university’s attempt to eliminate biased language from campus has revived discussions about the limits of free speech. While Hong Kong generally has a relaxed attitude to language use, the rise in anti-Asian attacks in the US is a reminder that hateful rhetoric can incite violence.

China’s abrupt reversal after years of strict pandemic controls caught many by surprise, including local officials and the healthcare system. While there is much concern as the new approach takes shape, the return of quarantine-free travel and major events give reason for optimism.

After a year of sporting excitement and economic turbulence, Hong Kong is emerging from Covid-19 to fresh possibilities and a long-awaited return to normality.

Nearly 15 years in the NPC has been an education in China’s state functions, challenges and ambitions – and in gaining perspective on Hong Kong. If we are to cement our connector role, we need to learn more about China’s complexities and how we can add value.

From depression to anxiety, Covid-19 has worsened mental health worldwide, and Hong Kong in particular is suffering. Improvements are urgently needed, from a better public health system to expanded youth support and an end to stigma.

In fields ranging from business and academia to sport and film, Hong Kong has been the birthplace of legends past and present. With the global spread of Hong Kong-born talent, our city’s ‘dream big’ attitude and can-do spirit is on full display for the world to see.

Hong Kong isn’t alone in facing a shortage of future-proof talent, which means it needs to be extra competitive. The necessary steps – reform education, reskill workers, improve quality of life, retain talent – are well known, but require collective effort.

The government deserves praise for removing hotel quarantine relatively quickly, but much more must be done to return to normality. It is time for the responsibility for Covid-related health to shift back to individuals as we cannot afford to test and quarantine forever.