International Communication Forum: Pathways Toward a Sustainable Future
The International Communication Forum, organized in partnership with Friday Culture Ltd, HK Coalition, and DotDotNews, took place on December 13, 2024, in Hong Kong. Hosted by notable figures including Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Secretary for Administration, and leaders from various sectors, the forum aimed to explore pathways toward a sustainable future amidst rapid global changes. During his address, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the unprecedented pace of transformation our world is experiencing, urging present generations to prioritize sustainability in their decision-making.
Herman Hu from Friday Culture stressed the organization's commitment to crafting narratives that counteract the negative perceptions surrounding Hong Kong, aiming to foster a more balanced view of the city and nation. Liu Meng, the director of the United Nations Global Compact's China Office, discussed the organization's alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of engaging the private sector in sustainable business practices.
One of the key themes of the forum was "Green Enterprises and Beyond." Moderated by Henry Ho, President of the OCTS Youth Forum, the panel featured insights from Johannes Hack, Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce, who underscored Hong Kong's pivotal role in global capital raising for green projects. Additionally, Joseph Law, General Manager of CLP Power HK, spoke on the company's carbon credit program which assists businesses in their decarbonization efforts. Nick Chan, Director of the AALCO HK Regional Arbitration Centre, pointed to how nations within the Belt and Road Initiative are increasingly relying on Chinese technology for their green transitions.
Paul Pong, the founder of the ESG and Benchmark Institute, noted that businesses adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices do not sacrifice profits but can actually enhance them. The latter part of the forum transitioned to discussions on “Innovation Driving a Greener Future,” led by Witman Hung, a member of the Global Summit Awards Council. Samuel Chui, Director of Environmental Protection, reaffirmed Hong Kong’s target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In this panel, Peng Gong, Vice President of HKU, highlighted how innovative technologies are essential for addressing climate issues. Michael Yang, Senior Vice President of CityUHK, affirmed that advancements in technology can significantly boost productivity within a green economy, while Albert Oung, founder of the Global Green Organization, advocated for the idea that technological progress should serve the dual purpose of benefiting humanity and the environment.
Cheung Chi Kong concluded the forum by calling for sustainability not only as a concept appreciated in China’s culture but as one that deserves universal adoption. This multi-faceted forum showcased the urgent need for collaboration among various sectors to address climate change and to promote sustainable development practices, underscoring that pathways to a sustainable future rely heavily on education, technology, and responsible business practices.
For more insights and details, the event's highlights can be viewed online at the provided link.