The "Mediate First" Pledge Event 2023 organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) will be held on Friday (May 5) under the theme "Mediate First - Let's Do This Together" to further promote the mediation culture.

　　The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will speak at the event. The Director-General of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office, Dr Sun Jin, will also deliver a keynote speech. Expert speakers including judges, lawyers and mediators will share their insights. There will be an introduction on the use of a case settlement conference to create a synergy effect between the litigation and alternative dispute resolution process, and how everyday disputes can be resolved through mediation. A drama will also be presented to demonstrate how mediation can be used to resolve community, family and peer disputes, so as to promote the use of mediation in Hong Kong's various sectors for dispute resolution, complementing the DoJ's long-term policy efforts to promote and develop the wider use of mediation. In addition, the Mediation Information Fair will be held this year for participants to obtain more information on mediation services, mediator training courses and the accreditation mechanism for mediators.

　　The signing ceremony of the "Mediate First" Pledge and a Star Logo Award Presentation Ceremony will be held right after the forum, aiming to encourage the pledgees to continue to fulfil their "Mediate First" pledge and proactively consider using mediation to resolve disputes. A total of 32 pledgees will be awarded the Star Logo this year.

　　The biennial "Mediate First" Pledge Event is fully supported by the two professional legal bodies in Hong Kong and other dispute resolution-related organisations. Please visit the dedicated website for more details, and for registration to participate in or watch the event.

Ends/Tuesday, May 2, 2023