​The Government announced that starting from today (September 2), the existing "Commission on Poverty" will be renamed as the "Commission on Targeted Poverty Alleviation". The renaming aims to highlight the Government's strategic direction and firm commitment to advancing targeted poverty alleviation.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the first meeting of the new-term Commission today. He said that the current-term Government is committed to building a comprehensive poverty alleviation system. In addition to providing a safety net through inclusive social services encompassing housing, healthcare, education and social welfare, the Government upholds a people-oriented approach. By identifying specific groups under its targeted poverty alleviation strategy, the Government provides focused and effective support to those most in need.

     Members noted that the last two terms of the Commission targeted subdivided unit households, single-parent households and all-elderly households. Taking into consideration the characteristics of these groups, the Commission identified their difficulties and pain points. Through tripartite collaboration of the Government, the business sector and the community, the Commission launched a series of targeted poverty alleviation measures tailored to these target groups. The new-term Commission supports that the targeted poverty alleviation strategy should be adjusted in response to changing societal needs, and will review and introduce a new target group in a timely manner so that more people requiring assistance can benefit. 

     Members also noted that the Government is proactively preparing to establish a social welfare project matching platform, aiming to roll out the first round of matching activities this year. This initiative will help institutionalise the tripartite collaborative model, bringing together the Government, the business sector and the community to support the vulnerable, while connecting business resources with community welfare projects to provide innovative and targeted services for those in need.

     Members also took note of government officials' reports on the work of the Community Care Fund and the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, as well as the progress of various funded assistance programmes.

Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:55

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