The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (12 April 2025) hosted an appreciation event to recognise the contributions from community stakeholders in advancing racial equality in Hong Kong. The event, which commemorated both the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO), brought together around 100 representatives from over 80 ethnic community groups and stakeholder organisations dedicated to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.

At the event, the EOC presented appreciation plaques to community stakeholders, including community leaders from diverse racial backgrounds, ethnic community organisations, and non-governmental organisations serving various ethnic groups and migrant domestic workers, to highlight their efforts and contributions over the years. From providing constructive feedback on policy recommendations to collaborating on community education initiatives and actively mobilising community members to participate in EOC-led programmes, these partners have played a vital role in advancing the EOC’s work in promoting equality in rights, opportunities and dignity for residents of all races.

Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau officiated the event’s opening ceremony. Addressing at the ceremony, Mr Tsang said, "Hong Kong is a culturally diverse metropolis and we have a unique bridging role between the Mainland and the world. To effectively perform our roles and functions as 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', we always seek to ensure people of all ethnicities enjoy equal opportunities in different aspects of life. First and foremost, the Government leads by example. As the largest employer in Hong Kong, the civil service has strived to enhance employment opportunities for ethnic minorities; over fifty civil service grades have reviewed and adjusted their Chinese-language proficiency requirements to givemore opportunities to non-ethnic Chinese applicants to join the civil service. The Government also strives to promote equal opportunities in the private sectors and the community. All these underline the Government’s commitment to building an equal, inclusive, and harmonious society."

In her remarks, Ms Lam expressed gratitude for the stakeholders’ unwavering support, stating that the EOC’s work would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of frontline organisations and community leaders. Commenting on the implementation of the RDO 15 years ago, she emphasised that the legislation has significantly transformed the racial equality landscape in Hong Kong.

“The anti-discrimination protections have positioned Hong Kong well in international exchange and collaboration and in the integration into the broader national development,” she said.

As the EOC marks this important milestone, it remains committed to working hand-in-hand with community partners to implement the anti-discrimination legislations and to maintain Hong Kong as an international city where everyone is treated with fairness, respect and dignity.

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The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (12 April 2025) hosted an appreciation event to recognise the contributions from racially diverse community stakeholders in advancing racial equality in Hong Kong. Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (third from left), Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau, EOC Chairperson (third from right), Dr Henry SHIE Wai-hung (second from right), Mr Vishal MELWANI (second from left) and Dr Vincent WONG Wai-lun (first from right), EOC Members, and Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, EOC Executive Director (Operations) (first from left) officiated at the event.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (12 April 2025) hosted an appreciation event to recognise the contributions from racially diverse community stakeholders in advancing racial equality in Hong Kong. This is a group photo of the guests attending the event.