Eco-civilization and Sustainable Development Forum

21 September 2024

4:00pm - 6:00pm

HKUST Campus, LT-D

Organized by the HKUST, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation and World Academy of Sustainable Development Limited, the Eco-civilization and Sustainable Development Forum aims to bring together the foremost environmental experts, scholars, and industry leaders worldwide to deliberate on pivotal matters concerning the construction of ecological civilization and sustainable development. This gathering will facilitate in-depth discussions and idea exchanges on topics such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, urban green development, and ecological preservation. It aims to disseminate successful global and local practices and pioneering measures, fostering a collaborative exploration on how Hong Kong can evolve into a hub of sustainable development talent. By amalgamating the collective wisdom and efforts of all stakeholders, the Forum endeavors to promote sustainable development both in Hong Kong and across the globe, steering collectively towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Program

Time	Content
15:30	Reception
16:00	Opening Remarks *Prof. Christine LOH*, Chief Development Strategist of Institute for the Environment, HKUST
PART I - Keynote Speeches
16:10	Enchanting China and Eco-civilization *Dr. Jinfeng ZHOU*, Secretary General of CBCGDF; Fellow of World Academy of Art and Science
16:25	Engaging Philanthropy as a Development Partner with Universities and Civil Society *Mr. James A.F. WADHAM*, President of Ave Fenix Philanthropy Group
16:40	Nature Conservation in Hong Kong: Significance, progress and challenges *Prof. LAM Kin Che*, Visiting Scholar, the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Member of Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation
16:55	Re-designing Society for Eco-civilization: Addressing the Traumas of the 21^st Century *Mr. Chandran NAIR*, Founder and CEO of Global Institute for Tomorrow
17:10	Mainstreaming Conservation Policy and Practice *Dr. Alice Catherine HUGHES*, Deputy Secretary General of CBCGDF; Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Hong Kong.
PART II - Roundtable Discussion with the speakers and Q&A (Moderated by Prof. Christine LOH)
17:25	Discussion Topics: How can Hong Kong strike a better balance between ecological conservation and urban development? Sustainable tourism: Future vision and challenges for Hong Kong as a green tourism destination Building a sustainable talent hub: What are Hong Kong’s strengths and strategic direction? Local action from a global perspective: How can Hong Kong learn from international best practices to promote local sustainable development? Biodiversity conservation and public engagement: How to motivate key stakeholders such as communities, universities and youth for biodiversity conservation?
17:50	Conclusion and Closing Remarks *Prof. Alexis LAU*, Head and Chair Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST; Director of Institute for the Environment, HKUST