Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released its 2024 Global Liveability Index, listing the world's most liveable cities. The report evaluates cities based on five key factors: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Vienna topped the ranking for the fourth consecutive year, maintaining its leadership in livability. The report highlights that many cities have shown significant improvements in public health and stability as the global pandemic wanes, particularly in Europe and Asia.

In addition to Vienna, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia also ranked highly, praised for their excellent public services, healthcare systems, and vibrant cultural life. In Asia, Osaka and Tokyo stood out for their robust infrastructure, education, and public services, making them attractive destinations for migrants and expatriates.

However, it is noteworthy that Hong Kong did not fare well in this ranking. Despite being a global financial and trade hub, Hong Kong faces significant challenges, especially in high living costs, air quality, and public health. While the city has strong economic power and solid infrastructure, its rank reflects underlying structural issues, such as housing shortages and challenges to social stability.

This ranking invites reflection on the efforts of global cities to improve quality of life, and raises an important question: How can a metropolis like Hong Kong balance economic development with residents' quality of life? As global competition among cities intensifies, should we rethink strategies for enhancing urban livability? These are important questions for citizens and policymakers to consider.