HKUST, CBCGDF and WAOSD Sign Collaboration Agreement to Initiate the Establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute, driving Innovation and Research to Combat Climate Change and Foster Biodiversity
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and the World Academy of Sustainable Development Limited (WAOSD) signed a Collaboration Agreement today to initiate the establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute (the Institute), with aims to tackle the multi-faceted challenges of sustainable development through cutting-edge research and technological innovation, engaging academia, industry practitioners and policymakers in Hong Kong and beyond. The signing ceremony took place during the Premiere of Enchanting China, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Shaw Auditorium of HKUST.
In alignment with General Secretary Xi Jinping’s vision of "supporting Hong Kong to become an international innovation and technology centre," and to support Hong Kong in further leveraging its advantages in technological innovation and green development, this partnership embodies the vision of "relying on the motherland and connecting with the world," positioning Hong Kong as a pioneer in new cooperative ventures.
The Institute will be supported by a committee of distinguished international experts and will harness inter-disciplinary knowledge and resources. It aims to serves as a global platform to promote practical research that address imminent issues, foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders, and provides valuable insights to industry practitioners and policymakers for better decision-making in sustainable development.
The agreement was signed by Professor Guo Yike, Provost of HKUST; Mr Luan Shusheng，Deputy Secretary General of CBCGDF; Mr. Wang Kai，Director of WAOSD. The signing ceremony was honoured by the presence of Professor Nancy IP, President of HKUST, Dr Zhou jinfeng, Secretary-General of CBCGDF, Dr.Annie Wu Suk-chin, former Vice President of All China Federation of Industry and Commerce, 10th, 11th and 12th Standing Committee Member of CPPCC and Mr. James, A.F. Wadham, President of Ave Fenix Philanthropy Group as witnesses. Over 800 event attendees also witnessed this important milestone as the launch of The Institute.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST said in her welcome remarks of the event, "We are pleased to witness the establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute in collaboration with the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation as part of today's meaningful celebration. The institute will seek to generate impactful research outcomes and pursue science-based solutions for complex challenges such as climate change and nature conservation.”
Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of CBCGDF, remarked, “This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting global sustainable development. The World Sustainable Development Institute will unite academia, government, industry and all-stakeholders to tackle climate change and biodiversity challenges. We look forward to translating research into impactful practices for a sustainable future.
To mark the establishment of the Institute, an Eco-Civilization and Sustainable Development Forum was held on the HKUST campus following the signing ceremony. This forum covered crucial topics such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, urban green development, and ecological preservation. It featured engaging discussions and exchanges led by distinguished speakers, who shared insights on both local and international efforts in biodiversity conservation. Notable speakers included Mr. Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO of the Global Institute for Tomorrow; Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary General of CBCGDF; Mr. James A.F. Wadham, President of Ave Fenix Philanthropy Group; Dr. Alice Catherine Hughes, Deputy Secretary General of CBCGDF; and Prof. Lam Kin-Che, Chairman of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Steering Committee of HKSAR, Prof. Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist of Institute for the Environment of HKUST and Prof. Alexis Lau, Head and Chair Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST.
