Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted its inaugural Hong Kong Climate Forum today (March 25), a significant milestone underscoring Hong Kong’s vital role as a nexus in climate change research, green innovation and finance, bridging the Greater Bay Area with the global community. 

The Forum brought together experts, policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders from both the United States and China, specifically from bay areas including the San Francisco Bay Area and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivered a welcoming speech and said: “It is clear that the effects of climate change will affect us all, rich and poor, young and old. With no doubt, international collaboration is a must to bring in coordination, research, and strategic thinking to overcome the obstacles ahead. We stand here as the first generation to confront this issue. We bear the responsibility to make a meaningful difference. The responsibilities for our present and future generations fall on us all.” 

The Hon. Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Government of HKSAR addressed the audience in the opening ceremony and said: “Innovative solutions, be they energy saving technologies, new materials for eco-friendly products or carbon sequestration, would transform, reduce or even revolutionise our environmental impact. In this regard, Hong Kong has strong basic research capabilities - five of our universities, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) included, are among the global top 100.”

Ms Zhou Guomei, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivered an opening on behalf of Minister Huang Runqiu, Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Ms. Yana GARCIA, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency also spoke to address the audience.

Keynote presentations at the forum highlighted innovative approaches and insights into the crucial role of policy and technology in driving the transition to a sustainable future. These presentations set the stage for in-depth discussions on various aspects of climate change and mitigation efforts.

The first high-level dialogue panel, titled "Climate Policy and Action in the Greater Bay Area," brought together policymakers from the California Bay Area and China's Greater Bay Area, including Guangdong, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The panelists shared their experiences in implementing pivotal climate policies and actions within their jurisdictions and explored potential avenues for cross-regional cooperation to combat climate change.

The second high-level dialogue panel, facilitated by the Business Environment Council, focused on "Business Leadership and Climate Finance". Leading policymakers and business magnates convened to discuss their contributions towards climate change mitigation and adaptation through strategic investments, showcasing the role of the private sector in driving climate action.

The forum also featured two deeper dive discussions. The first, "Financing Climate Mitigation," delved into the role of premier financial institutions in financing climate mitigation efforts and expanding the reach of sustainable solutions. The second, "Strategies for Climate Adaptation and Building Resilience," saw prominent researchers and thought leaders from academic circles and think tanks sharing successful strategies and ongoing efforts in climate adaptation and enhancing resilience against climate-related challenges.

About the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality
The Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a prominent global hub for climate science research. Its focus includes studying the effects of climate change on both ecosystems and humans, as well as developing strategies and technologies for mitigating and adapting to these changes. The institute intends to facilitate connections and collaborations between Hong Kong and mainland China, the Greater Bay Area, and other neighbouring regions to foster innovation and exchange in clean technology. Website: https://iccn.hku.hk/

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communication and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Ms Jaymee Ng (Tel: 3910 3612 / Email: ngjaymee@hku.hk)
Mr Kenneth Choi (Tel: 2859 2607 / Email: khkchoi@hku.hk)