Peaceful dialogue the only appropriate way to achieve harmonious solutions

Dialogue is the only practical solution, and, as witnessed in many places around the world, this first step can often be the most difficult. However, it is worth looking at conflicts that have been resolved as result of peaceful dialogue as opposed to violent conflict. There are good examples of conflict resolution that should be considered to alleviate the current unrest in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has overcome countless challenges to develop, prosper and become one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Its foundation was laid through the hard work and sweat of generations who were familiar with hardship. They had the tenacity and willingness to adapt. They possessed a strong work ethic, which was embedded with an innate mercantile sensibility. Indelibly entwined were traditional family values. These core values of family, community, education, safety and the rule of law were underpinned by a laissezfaire approach to business which in turn stimulated economic progress on the back of emerging economies around the region.

Inextricably embedded within the city are generations of migrants who moved here for economic reasons from pretty much every continent. Despite many of these communities largely remaining on the fringes, they have added their distinct cultural flavor to the vibrant mix.

However, at the core of Hong Kong’s phenomenal success lie many ordinary people. Individuals, sole traders, owners of small and medium sized enterprises with an abundance of entrepreneurial spirit. People with a willingness to work hard, prepared to take risks and a burning desire to succeed so that life would be a little easier for future generations. They oiled the economic wheels and provided the basic human infrastructure required to support rapid economic development. Many have benefited from the resulting property booms but even greater numbers have not and remain disenfranchised as a result.

From an external perspective, Hong Kong is often viewed as a high-rise, high-octane, international business center. A city stopover offering glitz, glamour and shopping. The vision is most commonly depicted by the postcard pin-up, harbor-skyline images.

Against this backdrop and within a relatively short time frame, the special administrative region has witnessed escalating unrest and instances of violent conflict. The once-sporadic outbursts have increased dramatically. Increasing levels of violence and destruction have become the new norm, and families and communities are being ripped apart. Sadly, this is not an unusual phenomenon in occurrences of this nature. Similarities can be seen in other countries where extreme measures are adopted to convey or counter views. There is a tendency for problems to escalate easily, spiral out of control and exacerbate over time. More often than not, it takes generations to heal and repair the social fabric of the communities most affected.

The ongoing wanton aggression, violence and destruction that is peppering Hong Kong causes greatest disruption and distress to those people who can least afford it. The ripples throughout the community are significant. Many individuals, sole traders or small businesses operate on a financial shoestring. Their personal, financial or business survival directly impacts the livelihoods of their families and many others within their sphere. Anything that adversely affects their ability to operate or significantly reduces their regular income has a devastating effect. The situation becomes even more challenging because Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities on the planet to live in. These are ordinary people simply trying to provide for their families. Business closures, foreclosures and spiraling indebtedness are already beginning to have a devastating impact. Minimal support mechanisms exist, and the willingness of the banking sector to intervene in any meaningful manner remains unclear. Ordinary people are the ones most impacted and most at risk in the current climate.

The retail and tourism sectors have been the most obvious sectors suffering huge declines. The larger corporations have the power and financial muscle to weather almost any downturn. They have the ability to centralize, decentralize, couple or decouple alarmingly quickly. Some would argue that Hong Kong’s relevance has been reducing over recent years and more attractive alternatives are available. The ongoing unrest does little to encourage certain corporations to remain unless an imminent solution appears on the horizon.

The violence and destruction will only lead to more violence and destruction. With seemingly no end in sight, we brace ourselves for potentially many more months of increased aggression, destruction and violence. Distrust and fear are on the increase, and the targeting of specific companies, groups airing certain views, opinions expressed or clothes worn is completely unacceptable. Peaceful engagement and dialogue are the only appropriate mechanisms to achieve harmonious solutions in a modern society.

The majority of people in Hong Kong denounce violence in all forms and they deserve to be allowed to coexist harmoniously whether or not they share the same views.

So where or how will the situation begin to normalize? Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to envisage a solution and it may take an event of seismic proportions to prompt engagement and allow constructive dialogue to begin. Hong Kong is already paying a very high price.

Dialogue is the only practical solution, and, as witnessed in many places around the world, this first step can often be the most difficult. However, it is worth looking at conflicts that have been resolved as result of peaceful dialogue as opposed to violent conflict.

There are good examples of conflict resolution that should be considered to alleviate the current unrest in Hong Kong. From a personal perspective, Northern Ireland provides an interesting example of a country that rapidly spiraled into violent conflict in the late 1960s. The situation sadly resulted in decades of pain and destruction, causing devastation, divide and hardship for many. Atrocities became commonplace and innocent bystanders were often the victims. Generations of young people lost their precious childhood years. Eventually, the impasse was overcome, and dialogue and engagement followed. Strategies were implemented, and frameworks developed to provide people with opposing views the opportunity to engage and work toward peaceful resolution. Independent intermediaries supported the process and helped to bridge the divide.

Perhaps there are lessons that can be learned from others to proactively approach the situation with a view to a peaceful outcome, respectful of “one country, two systems”.

There can be no winners or losers, but it is possible to find a path forward to resolve the violent conflict and allow the people of Hong Kong to continue to live in a peaceful, inclusive and stable society, with dignity where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit accordingly.

The author is chairman of the Multitude Foundation.