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International Communication Forum: Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future

On December 13, 2024, a significant event was organized in Hong Kong focusing on sustainability. The International Communication Forum brought together key stakeholders and influencers to discuss the pressing environmental issues our world is encountering.

The forum was jointly hosted by Friday Culture Ltd, HK Coalition, and DotDotNews, and chaired by Cheuk Wing-hing, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong. In his opening remarks, Cheuk highlighted the urgent need for our generation to explore viable pathways toward sustainable development in light of unprecedented global changes. This sentiment was echoed by other prominent participants, including Wang Songmiao from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Li Yongsheng, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the region.

Herman Hu, President of Friday Culture, emphasized the importance of reshaping Hong Kong's narrative through media. He indicated that his organization aims to create content that counters the predominantly negative perspectives surrounding the city and the nation. This intention aligns with the broader goals discussed at the forum regarding sustainability and responsible practices.

One of the highlights was a roundtable discussion titled 'Green Businesses and Beyond', moderated by Henry Ho, President of the OCTS Youth Forum. In this session, speakers including representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and CLP Power HK underscored Hong Kong's essential role in mobilizing capital for green initiatives on both local and global scales. Notably, Joseph Law from CLP highlighted how his company’s carbon credits program is assisting entities in their decarbonization efforts.

The conversation about innovation in sustainability continued in the panel 'Innovation Drives Greener Future', led by Witman Hung of the Global Council of World Summit Awards. Panelists showcased Hong Kong's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, discussing how advanced technologies can help address climate issues while boosting productivity in the emerging green economy.

Sustainability was framed not only as a contemporary necessity but as a concept rooted in Chinese culture, as reiterated by Cheung Chi Kong, who urged for a universal embrace of these ideas. The forum ultimately verified that addressing climate change is not constrained by geographical boundaries but is a global responsibility.

The proceedings also spotlighted the UN Global Compact's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals. Liu Meng, head of the UN Global Compact's China office, articulated the importance of engaging the private sector in sustainable business practices, reinforcing a collaborative approach.

Participants left the forum inspired to continue their missions towards a sustainable future, cementing Hong Kong's position as a pivotal player in global environmental discourse. To revisit the forum's discussions, an online replay is available on platforms like YouTube, where various stakeholders shared insights, challenges, and solutions for a greener path forward. This event signifies a step towards collective action and responsibility in tackling the climatic concerns our planet faces today.

In essence, the International Communication Forum serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for local and international communities towards sustainable development. It reiterates the idea that the future depends significantly on the steps we take today to nurture both humanity and the environment effectively.