The Law Society of Hong Kong Advances Sustainable Development Goals through Legal Education Initiatives

Introduction: Fostering Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

The Law Society of Hong Kong has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting foundational legal principles among young citizens, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. At the Hong Kong Book Fair 2025, the Society introduced an illustrated book designed to educate children on the rule of law and the common law system. This project seeks to build a basis for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions by ensuring the next generation understands and respects legal frameworks.

According to the President of the Law Society, Mr. Roden Tong, the organization has a social responsibility to instill a law-abiding mindset in children. This approach aligns with SDG Target 16.3, which aims to promote the rule of law at national levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Core Objectives and Alignment with Quality Education (SDG 4)

Educational Tools for Foundational Legal Principles

The publication serves as a key educational tool, translating complex legal concepts into an accessible format for young readers. This directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly Target 4.7, which focuses on ensuring learners acquire knowledge and skills for promoting sustainable development, human rights, and a culture of peace.

• Clarity and Accessibility: Crafted with input from experienced solicitors, the book explains core tenets such as equality before the law and judicial independence.
• Early Education: By introducing legal principles at a young age, the initiative aims to embed positive social values and respect for justice.
• Community Engagement: The book was well-received at the book fair, with interactive booths and quizzes successfully engaging children and families in legal education.

Broader Initiatives for Justice and Cross-Border Understanding

The “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour

The Law Society’s commitment extends beyond the publication, as evidenced by its ongoing programmes like the “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour. This initiative reinforces several SDGs through its focus on cross-border legal and cultural exchange.

1. Strengthening Institutions (SDG 16): The English-language tour to Shenzhen deepens students’ understanding of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and Hong Kong’s unique common law jurisdiction, fostering an appreciation for robust and transparent legal systems.
2. Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): By promoting legal literacy, the Law Society empowers young people with knowledge that is fundamental to ensuring equal access to justice and reducing societal inequalities.
3. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The study tour fosters cross-border dialogue and understanding, embodying the spirit of partnership required to achieve sustainable development.

Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Contribution to Sustainable Development

Through its integrated strategy of public legal education, including publications and immersive study tours, the Law Society of Hong Kong is making a significant contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These efforts are pivotal in advancing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), building a foundation for a just, peaceful, and inclusive society for future generations.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The article discusses an illustrated book and study tours designed to educate young people. The primary goal is to teach complex legal concepts and foster a “law-abiding mindset,” which falls under the umbrella of providing quality and value-based education.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The core theme of the article is the promotion of the “rule of law,” “equality before the law,” and “judicial independence.” These are fundamental principles of SDG 16. The initiative by the Law Society, an institution itself, aims to strengthen public understanding and trust in the legal system.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.7: The article details efforts to “ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…including…promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity.” The book teaches children about the rule of law to shape “positive social values,” and the “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour aims to foster “cross-border legal understanding and cultural exchange,” directly contributing to this target.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.3: The article focuses on initiatives to “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.” The illustrated book is explicitly designed to introduce young readers to “the true meaning of the rule of law and the common law system” and concepts like “equality before the law.”
• Target 16.6: The article highlights the work of the Law Society, which is an example of efforts to “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.” The Law Society is fulfilling its “social responsibility” by launching public education programs to make complex legal concepts “clear and concise” for the public.
• Target 16.10: The initiative described aims to “Ensure public access to information.” The publication of the book and programs like “Teen Talk” are direct methods of providing the public, especially children and students, with access to legal knowledge and information about the justice system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 4 (Target 4.7)

• Existence of educational materials: The creation and launch of the illustrated book serves as a tangible indicator of education for global citizenship and the rule of law.
• Implementation of educational programs: The “Teen Talk” GBA Study Tour is an indicator of a program designed to promote cultural and legal understanding.

Indicators for SDG 16 (Targets 16.3, 16.6, 16.10)

• Number of public legal education initiatives: The launch of the book and the continuation of the “Teen Talk” tour are indicators of efforts to promote the rule of law.
• Public engagement and knowledge acquisition: The anecdote of the five-year-old boy, Pak-kiu, sharing his new legal knowledge (e.g., “who Lady Justice Themis is,” prohibition on photography in court) is an implied qualitative indicator of the program’s effectiveness in increasing public access to and understanding of legal information.
• Institutional outreach activities: The Law Society’s activities at the Hong Kong Book Fair, including interactive booths and legal quizzes, are indicators of an institution actively working to be transparent and accessible to the public.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: scmp.com