On August 20, 2024, Chairperson of Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Linda LAM Mei-sau led a delegation to visit the Research Center (Base) for the Development of Disability Services in the Shenzhen University Pilot Demonstration Zone of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics (hereafter referred to as the “Research Center”). A discussion was held between both parties to explore cooperation in protecting the rights of people with disabilities and other areas of collaboration. They also discussed arrangements for the Greater Bay Area Disability Services Collaboration Forum.
Li Yonghua, Vice President of Shenzhen University and Director of the Research Center, along with Zhou Lingang, Executive Director of the Research Center, met with the EOC delegation. Li Yonghua introduced the development of Shenzhen University, highlighting the achievements of the Research Center in both theoretical and practical studies on disability services since its establishment, and its role in supporting the collaborative development of disability services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Li expressed the University and the Research Center’s future goals, emphasizing Research Center’s commitment to leveraging its strengths in academic research and regional collaboration to strengthen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao. He noted that the Research Center and the EOC have a solid foundation for cooperation and will continue working together to promote the integrated development of disability services in the GBA.
During the meeting, Chairperson Linda LAM Mei-sau provided a detailed overview of the EOC’s responsibilities. She emphasized that the EOC, as a statutory body in Hong Kong, is responsible for supervising and promoting the enforcement of equality and anti-discrimination policies, particularly in combating discrimination against persons with disabilities and fostering their inclusion in society. Lam expressed her hope that this visit would lead to deeper cooperation between the EOC and the Research Center in advancing disability services.
Chairperson of Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission Linda LAM Mei-sau Visited Shenzhen University
In November 2022, under the guidance of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Disability Development Research Association, the EOC served as one of the co-organizers of the 2nd Greater Bay Area Disability Services Collaboration Forum. The forum, initiated by the Research Center, aims to establish a collaborative framework among the government, academia, and practitioners in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, promoting the integrated development of disability services across the region. This November, the 3rd Greater Bay Area Disability Services Collaboration Forum will be held in Dongguan, with the EOC as one of the co-hosts, continuing its active role. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the forum’s preparation, focusing on its organizational structure, division of responsibilities, financial arrangements, and future collaboration. They reached a preliminary consensus and expressed eagerness to jointly advance the coordinated development of disability services in the GBA.
Both Parties Discussed at the Meeting
The visit further deepened mutual understanding between the EOC and Shenzhen University, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation. Both parties emphasized the importance of promptly implementing the topics discussed during the meeting to ensure the forum’s success. They also expressed their commitment to working together to foster a more inclusive society.
The roundtable discussion was attended by: Executive Director (Operations) CHU Chung-man, Head (Policy, Research and Training) TSUI Ue-ting and Head (Corporate Communications) CHAN Kit-ching from the EOC, as well as Associate Directors: Associate Professor LUO Wenen and Associate Professor Wu Jinjin, Assistant Professors Chen Yonghai and Wang Chunchun, Assistant Researchers Huang Yi, Sun Huajun, and Pan Quanxiao, and Research Intern Wu Rongwei from the Research Center.
Group Photo of Some Attendees
Editor | Xiao Yao
Layout | Yu Xinzi
Initial Review | Pan Quanxiao
Secondary Review | Chen Yonghai, Zhou Lingang
Final Review | Gu Zhijun
