Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor meets the press ahead of an Executive Council meeting in Hong Kong on August 20, 2019. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

She said the platform would be “open and direct” and the government would reach out to people from all walks of life and from different political backgrounds. Speaking at a press briefing, Ms. Lam expressed her hopes that the dialogue could facilitate mutual understanding and respect in a now-divided society, and help the city recover from protracted chaos. Starting this week, Lam said, talks will begin with organizations and individuals who provided practical advice to the government in the past three months. She said those who love Hong Kong can’t stand by to see the financial hub  destroyed, calling on people to join hands to solve the current difficulties.