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International Communication Forum: Pathways to a Sustainable Future

On December 13, 2024, the International Communication Forum was held in Hong Kong, a pivotal gathering aimed at addressing key environmental challenges and sustainable development practices. The event, organized by Friday Culture Ltd, HK Coalition, and DotDotNews, saw an impressive lineup of speakers, including Hong Kong's Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, and figures from China’s government and business sectors.

The Responsibility of Our Generation

Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that we are witnessing unprecedented changes worldwide, likening the urgency of these transformations to those unseen in a century. It is the collective responsibility of this generation to venture down the path of sustainable development. This sentiment was echoed by Herman Hu, Chairman of Friday Culture, who described the group as a young media organization dedicated to enhancing the positive narratives surrounding Hong Kong and China. Hu stated that balancing the often negative portrayal of the city is essential for fostering a better understanding of its realities.

During the forum, Liu Meng, Head of the China Office of UN Global Compact, articulated the organization’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, underlining the need for mobilizing private sectors towards sustainable practices. This framework set the tone for the discussions that revolved around the crucial intertwining of business and sustainability.

Panels Focused on Green Business Practices

The event featured a key panel discussion titled “Green Businesses and Beyond,” moderated by Henry Ho, Chairman of OCTS Youth Forum. Among the highlighted speakers was Johannes Hack, Vice Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce, who presented Hong Kong's strategic role in facilitating global green project funding. The emphasis on local initiatives, such as the carbon credit program by CLP Power HK, underlined how local companies can innovate their way towards decarbonization.

Nick Chan, Director of the AALCO HK Regional Arbitration Centre, shed light on the growing dependence of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries on Chinese technology to support their green transformations. Paul Pong, Founder of the Institute of ESG and Benchmark, further strengthened the economic argument, suggesting that integrating ESG practices can enhance profitability for businesses.

Innovation as a Drive for Sustainability

Another panel, titled “Innovation Drives a Greener Future,” led by Witman Hung, Member of the Global Council of World Summit Awards, concentrated on innovative technologies that promote sustainability. Samuel Chui, Director of Environmental Protection, shared Hong Kong’s ambitious target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, a clear sign of the city’s commitment to combat climate change.

Participants such as Peng Gong, Vice-President of HKU, articulated the potential of innovative technologies to create substantial environmental impact. They discussed how technological advancements can be pivotal in addressing climate issues, while Michael Yang, Senior Vice-President of CityUHK, advocated for the enhancement of business productivity through innovations in the green economy.

The recommendations suggested by Albert Oung, Founder and President of the World Green Organisation, summarized the aspirations of the forum, calling for technology to enhance humanity and ecological stability.

Linking Culture to Sustainability

In closing remarks, Cheung Chi Kong emphasized the cultural roots of sustainability in Chinese philosophy, suggesting that the principles of sustainability should not only be localized but also adopted universally. This call for a global perspective on sustainability links back to the shared responsibilities discussed throughout the forum.

In summary, the International Communication Forum served as a vital platform for strategizing a sustainable path forward, highlighting the collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society to build a greener future. With various stakeholders advocating for innovation and responsible practices, the goal of a sustainable world feels more achievable than ever.