“Mediate First” Pledge Event 2025 held today (with photos)

　　The biennial "Mediate First" Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was held today (May 9). Under the theme "Mediate First: With Great Dialogue Comes Great Understanding", the event aims to encourage the community to first explore the use of mediation as an effective, convenient and efficient tool for dispute resolution. The event attracted around 900 participants from different sectors.

　　The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that mediation is the future of dispute resolution and Hong Kong is the Capital of Mediation. In addition to embracing the Chinese cultural tradition of valuing harmony, Hong Kong also has a mature development in the field of mediation. Whether at the international or local level, Hong Kong's mediation services are the natural choice for parties who wish to first use mediation to resolve disputes. Hong Kong will continue to promote mediation as the first step in dispute resolution and connect local, regional and global parties, thereby fully demonstrating the vibrancy and charm of Hong Kong as the Capital of Mediation.

　　The Mediation Forum, as the first part of the event, started with opening remarks by Mr Lam and the keynote speech by ​the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan. It was followed by the panel discussion "Collaboration between the Judiciary and the Mediation Advocates - Composing Harmonious Rhythm with Stakeholders", which explored the role of the Judiciary in promoting mediation. Family mediators and mediation institutions from different sectors not only shared their valuable insights and reflections in the field of mediation but also discussed with stakeholders the direction in promoting family mediation in the future.

　　The afternoon session started with the panel "Dispute Resolution for All: Government and Community Efforts in Mediation", highlighting the collective efforts and commitment of the Government and stakeholders in ways to promote the deepening of mediation culture. Representatives from the Government, a statutory body and a non-profit organisation shared their experiences and success stories related to various mediation schemes in Hong Kong. In addition, students who participated in the peer mediation training also shared vividly how to use mediation to resolve peer disputes and the benefits it brought. The forum was concluded by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, who delivered the closing remarks.

　　The Star Logo Award Presentation Ceremony and the signing ceremony of the "Mediate First" Pledge were held right after the forum. The Law Officer (Civil Law) of the DoJ, Ms Christina Cheung, presented awards to 52 pledgees this year for their achievements in promoting and adopting mediation in the course of their business operations.

　　In the past year, 219 pledgees have signed the Pledge agreeing to first explore the use of mediation to resolve disputes arising in the course of their business dealings and operations, before pursuing other dispute resolution processes or court litigation. More than 1 000 organisations and individuals have signed the Pledge since its launch in 2009, reflecting a wide recognition of first using mediation to resolve disputes across different sectors.

　　Details on the "Mediate First" Pledge Event 2025 are available on its dedicated website. For more information on mediation, please visit DoJ's Facebook page, LinkedIn and Weibo.



Ends/Friday, May 9, 2025



The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, delivering his opening remarks.
The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, delivering his keynote speech.
The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, delivering his closing remarks.
The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Law Officer (Civil Law) of the DoJ, Ms Christina Cheung (first row, centre), presenting awards at the Star Logo Award Presentation Ceremony.
The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, second right), and the Law Officer (Civil Law) of the DoJ, Ms Christina Cheung (first row, second left), at the signing ceremony with the new signees of the Pledge.
The biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was held today (May 9). Photo shows the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (front row, ninth right), the Law Officer (Civil Law) of the DoJ, Ms Christina Cheung (front row, tenth right), and representatives of supporting organisations proposing a toast.