Experts attending the inaugural International Ombudsman Summit in Hong Kong highlighted the ombudsman’s role in a changing global landscape, and called for increasing international cooperation and public participation with ombudsmen to enable them to better fulfill their responsibilities.

The inaugural International Ombudsman Summit was held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday, featuring three panel sessions and various expert keynote speeches. The event attracted experts from six continents, nearly 40 countries and regions, with over 140 attendees from the Chinese mainland and overseas.

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The summit concluded late in the afternoon, and a reception will be held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong ombudsman.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said that ombudsmen serve as bridges between the people and the government in Hong Kong. During a period of rapid technological advancements, increasing global complexity, and evolving expectations from residents, their responsibilities have become more arduous.

Chan said that the Hong Kong ombudsman's office is dedicated to fulfilling this responsibility, and conducted approximately 95 comprehensive investigations and 10 direct investigative actions, and addressed around 4,400 complaint cases last year.

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The office made 186 recommendations to various government departments to enhance the quality of public administration in Hong Kong, ensuring a commitment to accountability through independent, objective, and fair investigations, Chan said.

Hong Kong Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi proposed increasing the use of mediation and effective complaint resolution, thereby enhancing inter-departmental collaboration to address complex public issues and fostering a proactive complaint culture.

He said that these strategies align with Asian cultural values and are aimed at optimizing administrative arrangements and improving public services.

He underscored the importance of public participation and encouraged collaborative problem-solving approaches.

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Cai Wei, director-general of the Department of International Cooperation, National Commission of Supervision, People’s Republic of China, highlighted the nation’s significant progress in its anticorruption efforts since 2012 and its establishment of a distinct anticorruption model tailored to China's characteristics.

Cai discussed the implementation of measures to ensure clean business operations in the nation — including the establishment of a blacklist for dishonest companies —and to deepen international cooperation for fairness and justice.

He called for enhanced international collaboration within the ombudsman community, stressing the importance of respect, equality, inclusivity, and intensified global efforts to address corruption issues and promote integrity governance.