HONG KONG, Dec. 13, 2024 – A significant international communication forum, jointly organized by Friday Culture Ltd, HK Coalition, and DotDotNews, convened in Hong Kong on December 13th, focusing on the crucial theme of sustainable development. The forum, graced by prominent figures including Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR Wang Songmiao, and Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR Li Yongsheng, underscored the pressing need for global collaboration in tackling environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future.
Chief Executive John Lee aptly framed the discussion, emphasizing that the world is experiencing unprecedented change and that charting a course towards sustainable development is the collective responsibility of this generation. Herman Hu, Chairman of Friday Culture, a young media group, highlighted their commitment to presenting a balanced and positive narrative about Hong Kong and China, countering potentially negative portrayals.
Liu Meng, Head of the China Office of UN Global Compact, reinforced the importance of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector in driving sustainable business practices. The forum featured two pivotal panel discussions, delving into the critical aspects of green business and technological innovation.
The panel titled “Green Businesses and Beyond,” moderated by Henry Ho, Chairman of OCTS Youth Forum, sparked insightful conversations. Johannes Hack, Vice Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Hong Kong’s vital role as a global hub for raising capital for green projects. Joseph Law, MD of CLP Power HK, detailed the company’s impactful carbon credit program, designed to support businesses in their decarbonization efforts. Nick Chan, Director of AALCO HK Regional Arbitration Centre, discussed the increasing reliance of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries on China’s technology for their green transformations. Paul Pong, Founder of the Institute of ESG and Benchmark, provided compelling evidence demonstrating how adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices can significantly boost company profitability.
The second panel, “Innovation Drives Greener Future,” moderated by Witman Hung, Member of the Global Council of World Summit Awards, focused on the role of technology in achieving sustainability goals. Samuel Chui, Director of Environmental Protection, reiterated Hong Kong’s ambitious target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. Peng Gong, Vice-President of HKU, and Michael Yang, Senior Vice-President of CityUHK, discussed the transformative potential of innovative technologies in addressing climate change and enhancing productivity within a green economy. Albert Oung, Founder and President of the World Green Organisation, emphasized the importance of ensuring that technological advancements benefit both humanity and the environment.
Concluding the forum, Cheung Chi Kong underscored the deep-rooted connection between sustainability and Chinese culture, advocating for its global adoption. The event provided a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, highlighting the crucial role of Hong Kong in driving global sustainability initiatives. To revisit the discussion, please see the online recording: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xLeimzWovI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xLeimzWovI)
