Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

USR Goal 3 (What are the USR Goals?)

Curriculum

83 related courses were offered in the 2024–25 academic year.

Policies

CUHK upholds the values of free speech and academic freedom.  Members of the University are free to participate in academic dialogues on any subject, provided that all discussions and expressions of opinions are conducted peacefully, rationally, respectfully, and within the bounds of the law.  Individuals are accountable for their statements and actions.

CUHK is committed to fostering an environment that is free from discrimination and sexual harassment for both its staff and students.  The University has instituted a Committee against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment and has developed a Policy Against Sexual Harassment and complementary Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints.  The Committee has posted an online training module for all staff members to ensure they possess a comprehensive understanding of their obligations and roles in the prevention and management of instances of discrimination and sexual harassment.

Ensuring responsive, inclusive and representative decision-making

CUHK actively engages stakeholders at all levels in university matters.  For example, students are permitted to belong to unions and associations through which they can officially participate in the University’s decision-making process.  The University’s principal governing bodies, the Council and the Senate, include members elected from among students, faculty members and other staff of the University.  Other important external stakeholders (e.g. community leaders such as Legislative Council members) also serve as members of CUHK’s Council and other advisory boards and committees, where they can offer advice on the University’s strategic direction.

Enhancing diversity and inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Office regularly conducts the CUHK Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Survey to gather information on the learning and working experiences of all full-time faculty, staff and students, and to identify areas where more could be done to create a more diverse and inclusive community.  These findings provide a strong foundation for the University to continue building an inclusive environment for all. 


CUHK also organizes activities such as the D&I Ambassador Programme to enhance diversity and inclusion awareness, and organizes events such as the D&I Festival to promote this theme.

Supporting legal development in the Greater Bay Area

The CUHK LAW GBA Forum, introduced by the Faculty of Law, supports the development of a legal framework for promoting peace, justice, and the development of effective institutions in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).  The Forum offers a seminar series in which legal professionals and academics can exchange ideas on the GBA’s legal aspects and conduct research on GBA-related legal topics.  The Faculty of Law collaborates with other law schools to train GBA lawyers, enhancing their legal knowledge and skills to support the development of effective institutions in the GBA.

Promoting Social Governance through Research and Dialogue

The Department of Sociology at CUHK established the Social Governance and Sustainable Development Lab (SGSD Lab) in January 2025. The Lab serves as a dedicated platform for advancing research and dialogue on social governance, a concept that encompasses a wide range of issues including criminology, violence, victimization, global governance, equal access to justice, non-discriminatory laws and policies, and the governance of cyberspace. These areas reflect the core themes of SDG 16, and promote sustainable social development. 

On 5 June 2025, the SGSD Lab was officially inaugurated with the Forum on Crime, Disputes, and Social Governance in the Digital Age. The event brought together leading scholars to explore emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital era, including topics such as AI-driven law enforcement, online dispute resolution, and global governance against violence. The SGSD Lab will continue to support scientific analysis of social governance in the distinct contexts of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and mainland China. These efforts reinforce CUHK’s dedication to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.