The Hong Kong Global Development Prize
Prize Competition: Should Hong Kong establish an Official Development Assistance programme? Why or why not?
We are excited to announce a HK$ 5,000 competition aimed at gathering innovative ideas on establishing an Official Development Assistance (ODA) program in Hong Kong. This initiative is part of our ongoing work to support Hong Kong in promoting sustainable development and international cooperation.
Introduction
In this century, Hong Kong, like many other developed economies, enjoys an unprecedented level of wealth. While we live in a prosperous, secure city, hundreds of millions of people around the world struggle to meet their most basic needs. According to the World Bank, 2/3 of a billion people live in extreme poverty (less than HK$17/day). About 90 million people are refugees. Globally, about 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.
We believe Hong Kong should pursue the goal of improving the welfare of developing countries by providing long term assistance.
What is ODA?
Official Development Assistance (ODA) refers to financial and non-financial resources provided by governments to support the social and economic development of developing countries.
Currently Hong Kong has a Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) program for emergency events, but does not have an Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. ODA can play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. One of the key targets of the SDGs is for developed countries to provide 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) as ODA to developing countries. This commitment aims to address global poverty and promote sustainable development worldwide.
Objective
The fundamental query we aim to answer is: Should Hong Kong establish an Official Development Assistance programme? Why or why not?
In addition, key objectives of this competition are to gather diverse perspectives and creative solutions on how Hong Kong can establish an ODA program. We aim to identify potential stakeholders, beneficiaries and explore the various paths that Hong Kong can take to contribute effectively to global development efforts.
Entrants have flexibility on the essay question they write on. Please read the ’Topic criteria’ section below.
Competition Guidelines
1Eligibility
The competition is open to all aged 18-30, currently in Hong Kong or from Hong Kong, who are interested in international development and Hong Kong's role in it.
2Submission Format
The submission is limited to 1,500 words and 3 pages, excluding footnotes and the bibliography.
On your document, please remove your name, affiliation, or any personal information to ensure a blind review.
3Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on their clarity, innovation, and research. Additionally, consideration will be given to the alignment with Hong Kong's unique strengths and resources, and to helping people at lowest cost and greatest benefit, valuing people equally.
See below for Topic Criteria.
4Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted by 10 pm on 31 Mar or 31 May 2024 (See details in 'Key dates')
5Submission Link
Please upload your submission here.
Submit now
For a chance to win HK$5000 and contribute to Hong Kong's international development efforts.
Key dates
16 Feb 2024
Release of competition details
31 Mar 2024
Submission deadline
Priority deadline (31 Mar)
Final deadline (31 May)
30 Jun 2024
Complete review of all submissions
Aug - Sep 2024
Announcement of winners.
Prize award ceremony (location/ details TBC)
Benefits of Participation
Prizes
- The winning submission will be awarded HK$5000 and will have the opportunity to present their ideas to key stakeholders in the development sector.
- 2nd and 3rd prize will be awarded HK$2000 and HK$1000, respectively.
- 4th and 5th prize will be awarded a certificate.
Opportunities
- Opportunity to contribute to Hong Kong's international development efforts and shape its role on the global stage
- The chance to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities in need around the world.
Topic Criteria:
We envisage that most entrants will write on the following topic:
- Should Hong Kong establish an Official Development Assistance programme? Why or why not?
Entrants with more specialised expertise, perspectives or interests may prefer to write instead on any relevant topic consistent with the Objectives of the competition. Some ideas include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Alignment with National and Regional Development Priorities:
- How does establishing an ODA program in Hong Kong align with the national development priorities of China and the regional development goals of the Greater Bay Area?
- What are the specific areas or sectors where Hong Kong can contribute effectively through ODA?
2. Legal and Institutional Framework:
- What legal and institutional frameworks need to be established or enhanced to facilitate the implementation of an ODA program in Hong Kong?
- How can coordination and collaboration be fostered among relevant government departments, NGOs, and international organizations?
3. Funding and Resource Allocation:
- What financial resources should be allocated to the ODA program, and how will they be mobilized?
- How can partnerships with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and international donors be leveraged to enhance the impact of the ODA program?
4. Target Beneficiaries and Geographic Focus:
- Which countries or regions should be the primary beneficiaries of Hong Kong's ODA program?
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability:
- How should the effectiveness and impact of the ODA program be monitored and evaluated?
- What mechanisms should be put in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of ODA funds?
6. International Cooperation and Diplomatic Considerations:
- How can Hong Kong leverage its unique position as a Special Administrative Region of China to enhance international cooperation and partnerships in the field of development assistance?
- What role can Hong Kong play in supporting China's broader international development agenda and promoting South-South cooperation?
7. Awareness raising:
- What are the most effective ways to raise public awareness of, and support for, an ODA programme?
FAQs
What language should be used for the submission?
Can I submit as a solo researcher, or a team of 2 or more, without an institutional affiliation?
What is the difference between the priority deadline and the final deadline?
What is the required format for the proposal?
Where do I submit?
What if I do not meet the age criteria but would otherwise want to join the competition?
How do I contact you for further questions?
Organised by:
Generocity is a social interest group that promotes increased official development assistance (ODA) from Hong Kong. With huge fiscal reserves, we believe the HKSAR government can and should pursue the goal of improving the welfare of developing countries by providing more ODA. Mechanisms for doing so might include a rise in the current emergency disaster relief funding or contributing to effective long-term health and anti-poverty programs.
Supported by:
As part of the broader effective altruism community, Effective Altruism Hong Kong (EAHK) as the leading local chapter in Asia, is dedicated to building a community of people who seek to continuously investigate what "do the most good" means, through applying evidence and careful reasoning.
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