The Centre for Civil Society and Governance
is a multi-disciplinary research unit established
by the Department of Politics and Public Administration
under the Faculty of Social Sciences of the
University of Hong Kong.
Our Mission
The Centre for Civil Society and Governance
was established by The University of Hong Kong
(HKU) in December 2002 with the aim of enhancing
our knowledge of the nature, constituents, and
roles of civil society and, in particular, the
contribution that civil society can make towards
good governance. The Centre seeks to foster
the development of a vibrant civil society in
Hong Kong, China and other parts of the world
through research, advocacy and dissemination.
Objectives
The specific objectives of the Centre are:
- To gain a clearer understanding of the
character and functions of civil society.
- To study the functioning and consequences
of various types of civil society organizations,
especially those which can enhance governance
in society.
- To develop practical measures which can
strengthen civil society and enhance its impact
as an agent for improving governance in such
areas as public policymaking, accountability,
transparency and information accessibility,
and development of informed public opinion.
- To foster dialogue and closer partnership
among the University, the Government, and
civil society organizations.
Our Research Focus
Since establishment, the Centre focuses on
three areas in its research activities, publications
as well as training and education programmes,
namely:
- Macro-level studies on civil society in
Hong Kong
- Public governance and civil society
- Micro-level studies on civil society and
NGO management
Concept of Civil society
"Civil society" is one of the most
important concepts in the social sciences today
and a key policy agenda among policymakers and
practitioners. It refers to the collection of
social organizations and groups which are distinct
from, yet interact with, the government, the
market, and the family. As many social scientists
point out, apart from being a watchdog of government
and business, a vibrant civil society is an
important social partner in governance. At its
best, it creates resources to solve social problems
and directs social development, facilitates
public policymaking and implementation, and
promotes mutual trust among government, business,
and citizens.
The importance of the partnership between civil
society and governance is well recognized internationally.
Likewise in Hong Kong, the Government and the
voluntary sector have become increasingly aware
of, and receptive to, the importance of civil
society.
For more information ...
about the Centre for Civil Society and Governance
of the University of Hong Kong, please download:
Our
Report (2003-2006)
Our
pamphlet
