"Governance" Thematic Research Series
In Hong Kong, the advisory and statutory bodies system has been in operation since the 1940s. Article 65 of the Basic Law stipulates that the original system of establishing advisory organizations by administrative agencies will continue to be retained. Since its establishment, the SAR Government has continued to use relevant systems to appoint members of the public to join advisory and statutory organizations; these organizations are one of the important channels for the public to participate in public affairs. Referring to the information on the government website, there are currently about 4,600 members of the public appointed to serve about 440 advisory and statutory organizations in Hong Kong.1 .
Young people care about society; the future development of society depends on youth participation, and their voices and opinions on public decision-making cannot be ignored. The current government aims to increase the overall proportion of youth members to the 15% level during its term. However, as of the end of 2019, the above-mentioned relevant percentage is still less than 12 %2. In the remaining two years of this term of government, work in this area needs to be accelerated and improved.
With the increasing awareness of citizens' participation in society and other factors, some voices are concerned that the consultation organizations appointed by the government to involve some members of the public are limited in their ability to effectively mobilize public opinion in today's complex political and economic environment. Can meet the needs of young people to participate in society. A series of social incidents in recent years have further highlighted the lag in the authorities listening to and responding to the voices of young people.
It has been more than 10 years since the last relevant review work was carried out by the authorities.3, Hong Kong society also experienced many great changes during this period.
This study explores the status, attitude, and difficulties of youth participation in consulting organizations, and draws on relevant experiences from some overseas regions, as well as from the perspectives of experts and scholars, to provide feasible suggestions on improving the operation of consulting organizations to promote youth participation.
This study conducted data collection from June to July 2020, including literature references and on-site youth opinion surveys. A total of 524 young people aged 18 to 35 were interviewed, 18 young people were interviewed, and 3 experts and scholars were interviewed. access.
Main results of the study
- An effective advisory committee system brings benefits to government governance. The relevant system in Hong Kong has a long history, but its development is still challenging. The SAR government needs to use greater determination and intensity to ensure that the system can still perform its due functions in the new era environment.
- There are hundreds of advisory and statutory organizations in Hong Kong, involving various policy bureaux and government departments. An influential leadership structure is indispensable for the overall planning of the future development of the SAR government's overall advisory and statutory organizations.
- The advisory committee is oriented to the society, and the SAR government needs to pay attention to the general public's perception of the appointed candidates and the effectiveness of participation; the key is to build social recognition and confidence in the committee.
- Young people have ambitions to participate in society. However, due to factors such as the lack of mutual trust between young people and the government in recent years, some young people have reservations about participating in advisory organizations.
- It is meaningful for young people to participate in advisory organizations; however, they face certain difficulties in participating, mainly including lack of relevant skills or experience for effective participation, and difficulty in allocating time to participate; the authorities and all sectors of society need to help young people eliminate relevant obstacles.
- The government needs to pay attention to the general public's perception of the appointed candidates and the effectiveness of participation; the key is to build social recognition and confidence in the committee.
- There are limitations in the consultation organization's inclusion of young people's voices; if the opinions of young people outside the system are to be effectively listened to, the authorities must explore the feasibility of creating another space and use innovative methods to involve more young people from different backgrounds, so as to promote the SAR government's broad participation The effectiveness of satisfying people's opinions.
Research main recommendations
- Examine the role and positioning of the advisory committee system, explore the feasibility of establishing a high-level leadership structure, and maximize and enhance the functions of the advisory organization.
- In response to the difficulties faced by youth participation in the Advisory Committee, measures will be implemented to help youth actively participate. 2.1 Continue to promote a friendly culture in workplace public affairs. 2.2 Establish a support platform for young members.
- Promote a culture that welcomes people from different backgrounds to participate in consultation.
1Home Affairs Bureau. Web page. "Advisory and Statutory Bodies". Download in July 2020. https://www.hab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/District_Community_and_Public_Relations/advisory.htm
2 Referring to the speech delivered by the Secretary for Home Affairs at the policy briefing of the Legislative Council Home Affairs Committee in November 2019, the proportion of young members in the government structure has gradually increased to more than 11% at that time.
3Home Affairs Bureau. Consultation paper on "Advisory and Statutory Bodies within the Public Sector - Review of Roles and Functions". April 2003.
