It is often said that “Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice.” While Hong Kong is one of the most multicultural cities in Asia with a vibrant mix of diverse cultures, not all of us may have the chance to understand the differences in the cultures across the city. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (World Cultural Diversity Day in short), held on 21 May every year, offers an excellent opportunity to do so. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002, the World Day serves to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change, and a means of achieving sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.

Riding on this World Day, the EOC is organising a range of activities between 21 May and 3 June 2021, including curated conversations with signatories of the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers on their workplace practices, which are captured in videos. An opinion article entitled “Hong Kong must do more to build on the strength of its diversity” by EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin was also published in the South China Morning Post on 28 May.

On 3 June (3pm – 4:30pm), the EOC will host a panel discussion named Diverse Voices on Diversity, during which four Hongkongers with diverse backgrounds will share their stories. The four speakers are: Mr Ajmal SAMUEL, entrepreneur of OCTO3 Group Holdings Limited; Dr Raees BAIG, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr Sukhdeep SINGH, doctor at the Prince of Wales Hospital; and Mr Randell ARANZA, Customer Care Manager of AXA Hong Kong & Macau.

Click the links below to find out more information about the activities and register for the online panel discussion.

• Watch the videos on the conversations with the Charter signatories
• About the EOC’s activities in celebration of the World Cultural Diversity Day
• Sign up for the panel discussion
• Read Mr Chu’s article in South Morning Post