The Centre aims at developing practical measures to strengthen civil society and enhance the capacities of citizens and community to solve social problems as well as promoting mutual trust and cooperation among citizens, government and business sectors. It, therefore, gives the University a strategic role and new opportunities to interact and collaborate with organizations and groups in Hong Kong in the promotion of a vibrant civil society.

Its extensive community links is unique in the contribution in grooming talent and leadership in the public sector. The Centre converges and enhances multidisciplinary talents, bringing together experts in politics and public administration, social work and social administration, sociology, social psychology, economics, law, journalism, education, statistics, and other disciplines.