News & Resources

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (9 May) attended the Department of Justice’s biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event as the keynote speaker.  The Office is also one of the supporting organisations of the event, which, under the theme “Mediate First: With Great Dialogue Comes Great Understanding”, aims to encourage the community to first explore the use of mediation as an effective and accessible tool for dispute resolution.

In his speech, Ombudsman Chan thanked the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, for the invitation and expressed his appreciation and support for the event’s theme, which echoes one of the three strategic focuses he put forward upon assuming office on 1 April last year – using mediation as the default handling mode in complaint cases involving minor or no maladministration.  He remarked, “Mediation serves solely to resolve issues between the parties concerned, without determining right or wrong, thereby fostering a positive complaint culture.”  The Office’s three strategic focuses seek to enhance public administration, provide substantive responses to public concerns, and effectively resolve problems for the public.  Additionally, the Office encourages collaboration between the Government and the public to cultivate a more stable and harmonious social environment that can keep pace with the times, enabling all sectors to channel their resources on driving economic growth and improving people’s livelihood.

Ombudsman Chan also shared that the Office achieved remarkable results in its mediation efforts in the past financial year, with 555 cases resolved through mediation.  This represents a nearly threefold increase compared to the 187 cases in 2023/24, which is a record high.  Furthermore, the Office has received positive feedback from both the public and government departments including that its mediation services have brought them tangible assistance.  Ombudsman Chan added that the Office will establish a Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy later this year, with a view to forging greater consensus and promoting quality services centred on mediation.