Hong Kong, May 9, 2025 – The International Guild of ESG and Sustainable Development (IGESG) is proud to report on the successful "Mediation First" Commitment event organized by the Department of Justice, held today under the theme "Mediation First: Initiating Dialogue, Achieving Consensus." The event aimed to encourage various sectors of society to explore mediation as an efficient and accessible means of resolving disputes.
Approximately 900 participants from diverse backgrounds registered for the event, reflecting a strong community commitment to promoting mediation. Senior Counsel and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam emphasized that mediation is the future of dispute resolution, positioning Hong Kong as the "Mediation Capital" of Asia. He noted that Hong Kong's cultural tradition of valuing harmony, combined with a mature mediation framework, makes it the preferred choice for resolving disputes at both local and international levels.
The event commenced with a mediation forum, featuring an opening address by Secretary Lam, followed by a keynote speech from the Ombudsman, Connie Lau. A discussion panel titled "Judicial Institutions and Stakeholders Harmonizing Together" explored the role of judicial bodies in promoting mediation. Various family mediators and mediation organizations shared their experiences and discussed future directions for promoting family mediation.
In the afternoon, the session "Popularizing Dispute Resolution: Mediation Initiatives by Government and Community Organizations" focused on how the government and stakeholders can collaboratively deepen the mediation culture. Representatives from government departments, statutory bodies, and non-profit organizations shared their experiences and successful mediation case studies. Student participants in peer mediation training also showcased how mediation effectively resolves peer disputes and its benefits.
The forum concluded with the Star Award Ceremony and the signing of the "Mediation First" Commitment. Civil Law Commissioner Jennifer Cheung presented awards to 52 organizations and individuals for their achievements in promoting and adopting mediation in their operations.
Over the past year, 219 new signatories committed to exploring mediation as the first step in resolving business disputes before resorting to other methods or litigation. Since the inception of the "Mediation First" Commitment in 2009, more than 1,000 organizations and individuals have signed, demonstrating widespread recognition of mediation as the primary option for dispute resolution.
IGESG is committed to supporting initiatives that foster dialogue and collaboration in the community, furthering the cause of sustainable and responsible business practices.
