The Centre is a multi-disciplinary research unit that aims to enhance knowledge of civil society its nature, constituents, dynamics, roles, and in particular its contributions toward governance, and to foster the development of a vibrant civil society in Hong Kong, mainland China, and other parts of the world. The Centre seeks to do this through research, advocacy, and dissemination. The Centre’s research covers topics such as NGO legitimacy, accountability, and corporate governance; the legal and regulatory framework of civil society; philanthropy and community foundations; civil society development in Hong Kong; and social cohesion in Hong Kong.