Sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference promotes "soft connectivity" of dispute resolution services among three places
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, today (November 18) attended the sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Departments Joint Conference in Zhongshan to meet with representatives from legal departments of Guangdong and Macao on promoting the flow of legal talent among the three places, taking forward the interface of regulatory frameworks and the establishment of a diversified dispute resolution mechanism in the GBA to provide legal support for the development of a world-class Bay Area.
The conference also made good progress in the area of "soft connectivity" of talent.
Firstly, on the interface of mediation professionals, the three parties agreed to complete the work on the GBA mediators' accreditation as soon as possible and submit the proposed list of GBA mediators to the Joint Conference for confirmation, with a view to jointly announcing a consolidated panel of GBA mediators within this year.
Dr Cheung expressed his gratitude in particular to the Guangdong and Macao authorities for their strong support for the first GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong held earlier by the Department of Justice, as well as their assistance in arranging mediation experts from Guangdong and Macao to share in the Course their practical experiences, enhancing Hong Kong mediators' understanding of the mediation systems in Guangdong and Macao.
On the interface of arbitration professionals, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have considered and endorsed the Working Guidelines on the Panel of GBA Arbitrators and reached consensus on the detailed arrangements for the mechanism of setting up a panel of arbitrators. The three places will commence their respective nominations of local arbitrators and selection procedures next year, endeavouring to announce the first batch of GBA arbitrators within next year.
Dr Cheung said, "Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will announce a consolidated panel of GBA mediators and endorse the Working Guidelines on the Panel of GBA Arbitrators, both of which are important deliverables achieved by the three places in jointly taking forward the interfaces of regulatory frameworks and talent in the GBA, thereby facilitating the 'soft connectivity' of the non-litigation dispute resolution mechanism in the GBA."
Regarding the practice of GBA lawyers, Dr Cheung reflected at the meeting that the Hong Kong legal sector looks forward to participating in more practical training and explore further expansion of the scope of practice of GBA lawyers. He stressed that the Department of Justice is positively responding to the suggestions of the sector and will strive to establish a dedicated platform for GBA lawyers as soon as possible. The Department will also continue to support the sector in deepening professional co-operation with Guangdong and Macao counterparts and to support the sustainable development of GBA lawyers, contributing to the construction of foreign-related rule of law of the country.
On nurturing talent, Dr Cheung said that the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, formally launched in early November, will proactively commence capacity-building programmes and conduct training projects, and also co-ordinate and collaborate with relevant ministries and institutions in the GBA to nurture legal talent.
Dr Cheung said that the full co-operation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao under the Joint Conference has yielded fruitful results, bringing forth stronger collaboration and synergistic development among the legal sectors of the three places, and promoting the development of the rule of law in the GBA.
This Joint Conference was hosted by the Director-General of the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province, Mr Chen Xudong, and attended by the Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Cheong Weng Chon, and other representatives.
Sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference promotes "soft connectivity" of dispute resolution services among three places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference promotes "soft connectivity" of dispute resolution services among three places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference promotes "soft connectivity" of dispute resolution services among three places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference promotes "soft connectivity" of dispute resolution services among three places Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government launches the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme
The Chief Executive emphasised in this year's Policy Address that it is of utmost importance for Hong Kong citizens to safeguard national security of their own accord. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to strengthen community participation through the launch of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme, actively encouraging all citizens to understand a holistic approach to national security and the significance of safeguarding national security, thereby fostering a collective commitment to uphold it.
Today (November 18), the HKSAR Government held the launching ceremony of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said, "National security is the fundamental prerequisite for every country's survival and development. The top principle of 'one country, two systems' is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. After experiencing the painful days of the Hong Kong version of 'colour revolution' and the widespread 'black-clad' violence in 2019, citizens deeply understand the importance of national security to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability."
"Article 10 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall promote national security education in schools and universities and through social organisations, the media, the internet and other means to raise the awareness of residents of national security and of the obligation to abide by the law. A new milestone was the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery in August this year. As the first national security education base in the HKSAR, it has received over 200 000 visitors and more than 800 groups in just three months since its opening, demonstrating society's emphasis on and support for national security education."
Mr Cheuk added, "The National Education District Tutor Training Scheme that we are participating in today exactly aims to radiate outward national security education widely and effectively by district tutors."
In his speech, Mr Tang said, "In March this year, the HKSAR fulfilled the constitutional responsibility for enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law, creating a legal shield for national security and laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong to boost its economy and pursue development."
Mr Tang added, "I hope that district tutors will leverage your networks to publicise and promote law-abiding awareness, national awareness, sense of national security, and positive thinking in the community. This will enhance citizens' ability to think critically and not be misled by 'soft resistance' rhetoric or behaviour, ultimately fostering a safe and stable social environment."
In her speech, Miss Mak said, "All of you here are key patriots in the districts dedicated to our country and Hong Kong, continuously supporting the work of the Government in strict accordance with the law. You are the most qualified and capable individuals to assist the Government in raising public awareness of national security in the districts, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's capacity to fend off security risks."
Miss Mak stressed, "District tutors can deeply engage with different community groups and convey national security messages in a lively and engaging manner, helping citizens understand the importance of respecting and safeguarding national security, promoting a conscious effort to safeguard it among all citizens, and strengthening public awareness of its significance."
The first batch of around 120 district tutors made a pledge in the presence of distinguished guests to do their utmost to promote national security in the community and fully assist the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.
District Offices have begun inviting district council members, district organisations, and groups across Hong Kong to enroll in the district tutor training scheme. It is expected that by 2025, at least 2 600 district tutors will be trained. Given that each tutor will disseminate national security messages to at least 30 people within a year, it is anticipated that over 78 000 people will receive messages about safeguarding national security.
The course under the district tutor training scheme, conducted by experienced educators, includes interactive classroom learning and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, totalling approximately four hours. Participants will also receive relevant materials to assist them in promoting national security awareness in the districts.
"The security of Hong Kong is premised on that of our Motherland, and the security of our home is premised on that of our country." Safeguarding national security is everyone's responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. The district tutor training scheme helps raise awareness of national security among Hong Kong citizens. Everyone should contribute their part to help safeguard it and work together to build a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.
