• The Hong Kong Global Development Prize

    Prize Competition: Should Hong Kong establish an Official Development Assistance programme? Why or why not?

    broken image

  • The HK Global Development Prize was 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 aimed to answer was: Should Hong Kong establish an Official Development Assistance programme? Why or why not?

     

    In addition, key objectives of this competition were to gather diverse perspectives and creative solutions on how Hong Kong can establish an ODA program. We aimed to identify potential stakeholders, beneficiaries and explore the various paths that Hong Kong can take to contribute effectively to global development efforts.

     

    Entrants had flexibility on the essay question they wrote on.

  • Competition Guidelines

    1

    Eligibility

    The competition was open to all aged 18-30, currently in Hong Kong or from Hong Kong, who were interested in international development and Hong Kong's role in it.

    2

    Submission Format

    The submission was limited to 1,500 words and 3 pages, excluding footnotes and the bibliography.

    3

    Evaluation Criteria

    We evaluated submissions based on their clarity, innovation, and research. We also considered 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.

    4

    Submission Deadline

    All entries submitted by 10 pm on 31 Mar or 31 May 2024 (See details in 'Key dates') were considered. Judging was conducted blind to the identity of the entrants.

  • 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

     

    19 Sep 2024

    Announcement of winners at

    Prize award ceremony:

    7 PM at Dream Room, Dream Impact,

    Unit C, 4/F, 760 Cheung Sha Wan Rd,

    Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

     

  • Benefits of Participation

    Prizes

    • The winning submission was awarded HK$5000.
    • 2nd and 3rd prize were awarded HK$2000 and HK$1000, respectively.
    • 4th and 5th prize were awarded a certificate.
    • Winners had the opportunity to present their ideas to key stakeholders in the development sector.  

    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 envisaged that most entrants would 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 could write instead on any relevant topic consistent with the Objectives of the competition. Some ideas included, but were 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

  • Presentations

    Speakers at the Prize ceremony

    Anthony Lau: rationale for ODA

    Anthony Lau: rationale for ODA

    Dr. Joyce Ching: HK Red Cross

    Dr. Joyce Ching: HK Red Cross

    Clare Lee: Plan International

    Clare Lee: Plan International

    Kate Lin: Oxfam HK

    Kate Lin: Oxfam HK

  • Prize Winners

    broken image

    1st Prize

    Sally So Kwan Chu (right)

     

    Presenting the certificate was Larry Baum of Generocity.

     

    Sally Chu is a dedicated healthcare professional with a diverse background. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she has gained valuable experience as a registered nurse with the Hospital Authority, serving in various departments such as medical, surgical, and intensive care units. Additionally, she has completed a Master of Public Health degree, further expanding her expertise in the field of healthcare.

     

    Her essay is titled Nurturing the Next Generation: Establishing Child-Centred Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Hong Kong

    broken image

    2nd Prize

    Dr. Hayley Hunt

     

    Hayley was ill and unable to attend, and accepting the certificate for her was Adam Gear (left) of Effective Altruism Hong Kong.

     

    Presenting the certificate was the Honorable Edmund Wong, member of Legco and the Hong Kong Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee.

     

    Hayley is from the UK but now calls Hong Kong her home, where she recently completed her PhD in Earth System Science at The University of Hong Kong, researching the formation of the Himalaya. She is also conducting research at The Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society and volunteers with Voice for Social Good—a group of NGO women leaders, and The Mekong Club where she researches human rights in supply chains. Hayley is an active member and supporter of the Hong Kong LGBT+ community.

     

    Her essay is titled Leveraging Hong Kong Citizens’ Charity to Enhance Hong Kong’s Contributions to Global Development.

    broken image

    3rd Prize

    Shun Kwok

     

    Shun was out of Hong Kong for his studies, and accepting the certificate for him was Larry Baum (right).

     

    Presenting the certificate was Kate Lin (Programme Manager - Climate, Humanitarian and Rural Development, of the China Programme Unit) of Oxfam Hong Kong.

     

    Shun is currently studying International Relations and Modern history at the University of St Andrews, with a focus on colonization and security. He led a team of student analysts at an NGO using OSINT methods to investigate war crimes in East Africa (Ethiopia and the Sudan). He hopes to help Hong Kong leverage its unique political position to promote win-win development in the 3rd World, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. In his spare time, Shun enjoys travelling, hiking and flying drones.

     

    His essay is titled Averting Mass Death: The Case for Official Development Assistance to Sudan.

    broken image

    4th Prize

    Karen Ka Yan Tam

    broken image

    5th Prize

    Jonathan Han (right)

     

    Presenting the certificate was Clare Lee, Assistant Manager (Institutional Fundraising and Partnership) for Plan International Hong Kong.

  • Discussion

    broken image
    broken image
    broken image

  • Organised by:

    broken image

    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:

    broken image

    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.

  • Connect With Us

    broken image

    Email

    broken image

    Instagram

    broken image

    Facebook

    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More