In order to be a successful city, where different communities live together in a positive atmosphere of harmony and tolerance towards each other, we need to have an ambitious vision for the future of Birmingham and we must, at the same time, directly tackle some of the hard issues affecting the city.
If we don't do this, we will not succeed.
Birmingham has a proud and successful history of public service and innovation - but this is dependant upon its people believing in and practising common values, respecting its democratic institutions and seeking social integration, so that all can feel part of an inclusive and unified city.
In achieving this, I would encourage people not to think just about their rights, but also their responsibilities as well. Achieving this is easier said than done.
To succeed you cannot have the one without the other.
The Lozells and Handsworth disturbances reminded us of this fact and the need to be clear about separating out criminal activities from genuine needs.
Also, political activists should not be allowed to come into this city and cause tension.
We need to avoid giving prominence to those who feel that there is continual failure in our inner areas.
Instead, as we all know, there is great experience, talent and hard working individuals and families in these areas and throughout Birmingham and we need to capitalise on their knowledge and experience.
In my experience, communities often have the answers to their own issues and we should give them the space and encouragement to seek their own solutions and influence their own communities.
Professionals do not have a monopoly over good ideas - long term challenges need well worked out solutions and a great deal of common sense.
So, with this in mind, I am clear that we must think of better ways to support our communities. In the past, and to a certain extent now, the practice of simply giving grants to organisations and community leaders has often not delivered the improvements and sustainability required.
Instead, we need a multidimensional strategy that is not solely based upon providing grants and resources but also based upon encouraging talent, self esteem and confidence and entrepreneurship. This city was built upon these values.
To this end, under my direction and support, city council officers and staff from other partner organisations are working hard to support the local community in the way I have suggested and have set up a number of new projects.
In December 2005 the council initiated an innovative programme called 'Breaking Bread' where young people in the Lozells and Handsworth areas have been supported to develop positive relationships with each other and between all the communities.
Another project called ' Increase Peace' aims to reduce gang violence between the Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities.
In addition to this, I have personally set up a 'Faith Round Table' where different faith organisations can come together with me to exchange our concerns and provide a source of expertise and knowledge to assist me.
I will be working hard with all groups to listen to their concerns and suggestions and seek to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust as well as open and honest discussions.
We also need to take account of the needs and views of the white working class, a group with real and largely unvoiced needs who may feel that the policies and language of multi-cultural expertise is not for them and are consequently excluded from the discussions.
As part of our strategy we need to engage with this community and set up practical projects for them as well, so that they also feel part of a changing Birmingham, have confidence in it, and have a say in its future.
In conclusion, as a city we have much to offer and much to do but we must now redouble our efforts so that all communities and the public institutions and agencies are working together to meet various needs and aspirations.
This requires all of us to take an active part in creating a city that we can all proudly call 'our city'.
