Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Welcome Reception of the Zonta International 23rd District 17 Conference today (September 25):

President Salla Tuominen (President of Zonta International), Governor Winnie Wong (Governor, Zonta International District 17), Chair Teresa Lin (Chair, Zonta International 23rd District 17 Conference Organising Committee), Secretary Mak (Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak), Zontians, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is a huge delight to join you tonight. I would like to first extend our warm welcome to all of you. We are honoured that you have chosen our city to kick-start the conference.

     Hong Kong is Asia's world city enjoying the best of East and West. Famous for its hard assets, such as skyscrapers, world-class infrastructure and superb transportation system, Hong Kong also has many soft appeals in terms of mouth-watering delicacies, beautiful countryside, interesting islands, and a vibrant year-round calendar of exciting sports and cultural events.

     The other thing that makes Hong Kong a dynamic hub for events is our people. The talent, diversity and drive of our citizens are our greatest asset. Central to this success story of Hong Kong is the incredible and indispensable contribution of women.

     Today, women account for over half of our population and are making remarkable strides in all sectors. More than half of our solicitors and public accountants are women, a significant leap from just some 30 per cent two decades ago. Furthermore, the share of women in managerial positions has reached a record high of 38 per cent. The current-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has also set a record, with seven out of 15 directors of bureaux being women. These figures are more than just numbers; they represent a growing cohort of female leaders who are to innovate and make changes to shape the future of Hong Kong.

     The HKSAR Government firmly believes in equality for women and the potential and power of women. We have set up a Women Empowerment Fund to provide financial support to projects that help women of all ages and backgrounds to unleash their potential. Last year's inaugural Family and Women Development Summit provided a platform for dialogues that facilitate the healthy development of families and women, while a one-stop Family and Women Portal centralises useful information related to family education and women's development for the public. Most recently, we launched a "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme to connect female university students with established women leaders to foster a cycle of empowerment and guidance that will inspire for years to come.

     This drive for progress is also being championed in the private sector. One example is the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing's requirement for listed companies to eliminate single-gender boards in 2022. The proportion of Hong Kong-listed issuers with at least one female board member has now risen to over 99 per cent. This is a powerful step towards ensuring seats for women at tables where decisions are made.

     I am glad to see that our community is collectively championing the cause of gender equality and women's empowerment. This collective effort is especially important in 2025, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark global agenda for women's empowerment remains as relevant today as it was three decades ago. Its vision remains a guiding light for our work, and it is heartening to see its principles so strongly espoused here in Hong Kong.

     I thank Zonta for hosting the conference, which so effectively focuses our community's attention on promoting women's development. The vision of Zonta chimes in perfectly with Hong Kong's own commitment to progress. We stand with you in the pursuit of a world where every woman is empowered to realise her full potential and where her rights are fundamentally recognised and protected.

     In closing, I hope you enjoy the rest of the reception with wonderful company. As you move on to Macao for the main conference tomorrow, I also wish you all a fruitful journey ahead. Thank you very much.

Ends/Thursday, September 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:22

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