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The Commission on Poverty (the Commission) and the Central Policy Unit (CPU) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) jointly organised a Conference on Social Enterprise today (April 6).
"We see good potential of social enterprise in helping the disadvantaged achieve self-reliance," the Financial Secretary and chairman of the commission, Mr Henry Tang said. "How to nurture its growth in Hong Kong certainly deserves the attention of policy makers, businesses, NGOs and those who share the desire to help the disadvantaged."
"Response to today's conference was very positive. I hope that participants are impressed by the possibilities that social enterprises can bring in providing better service and helping the poor in a sustainable way. And before long, I hope to see ideas translated into fruitful partnerships and actions promoting social enterprise," Mr Tang said.
Head of the CPU Professor Lau Siu-kai said Social enterprise development could be viewed as a subset of the wider Third Sector development. Today's conference showcased the potential of the Third Sector in using innovative solutions to bring about social change.
Overseas speakers shared their insights and first hand experiences. They vindicated the beneficial synergy between cross-sector collaboration and social enterprise development. In a keynote address, former Chief Executive of Rolls Royce Mr Graham Morris, explained how social enterprises were different from charities and why the business sector's contribution to social enterprise development was far more than charity.
Reflections by local speakers on the situation in Hong Kong provided valuable ideas on how different sectors might join to create an enabling environment for social enterprises to flourish in Hong Kong.
Today's conference attracted more than 300 participants from various sectors. It was the first of its kind and scale in Hong Kong on social enterprise development and its potential in integrating the disadvantaged. The one-day conference aimed to (i) enhance community understanding of social enterprise and explain its relevance to poverty alleviation; (ii) showcase success stories; and (iii) chart the way forward.
In addition, a number of social enterprises now operating in Hong Kong joined the exhibition on their experience in merging social purpose with a commercial approach.
The conference was sponsored and supported by a wide range of leading private companies in Hong Kong.
Further details on the background, programme, speakers' profile and sponsors etc. are available at the conference's website:www.seconference.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, April 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:05
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