Media

Hong Kong is set to welcome academic leaders from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond for the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is hosting the annual Presidents’ Meeting from June 25 to 27, bringing together over 140 guests from 51 universities.

The meeting aims to foster discussions and develop innovative solutions that contribute to sustainability and carbon neutrality, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing current and future global challenges. Themed “From Invention to Implementation – Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting will focus on innovative ideas and strategies to achieve goals, including carbon neutrality and the adoption of green technologies.

Through a concerted effort among individuals, businesses, and governments, participants aim to make these solutions a reality, advancing humanity towards a sustainable future. Four key topics will be explored in the panel discussions: 

• Our Planet, Our Future 
• Unleash Green Technologies to Power the Future 
• Educating Future Generations for Planet Thought Leadership 
• Systems Approach to Mitigating Globally Connected Risks 

The President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, Professor Xiang Zhang and Professor Gene D. Block, Chair of APRU and Chancellor for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will address the participants at the opening of the annual meeting on June 26 (Monday). Ms Amina J. MOHAMMED, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group will deliver a keynote speech online. Another keynote speaker is Professor Yi CUI, Fortinet Founders Professor of Stanford University, and the University's Director of Precourt Institute for Energy.

Members of the media are welcome to attend:
Date: June 26, 2023 (Monday)
Time: 9am to 10:15 am (Media registration at 8:30am)
Location: Rayson Huang Theatre, Main Campus, HKU

Dr Allan ZEMAN, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group and Governor of the Board of Governors of Our Hong Kong Foundation will speak at a luncheon on "East Meets West – Connecting the World", at 12:15pm at Loke Yew Hall, Main Campus. The luncheon is co-hosted by Our Hong Kong Foundation. Media representatives are welcome to attend.

After the luncheon, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony will be held to mark the joint effort of HKU, Fudan University and the University of Sydney to advance research and educational programmes to promote sustainability development. HKU is making significant strides towards sustainability and is committed to continuing its efforts to promote a greener and more sustainable future. 

The programme rundown of APRU Annual Presidents’ Meeting 2023. (Media representatives are welcome to join the discussion sessions)

For Media enquiries, please contact:
HKU Communications and Public Affairs Office
Ms Melanie Wan (Email: melwkwan@hku.hk) 
Ms Jaymee Ng (Email: ngjaymee@hku.hk)
Mr Kenneth Choi (Email: khkchoi@hku.hk)