HKU Sustainability Forum Draws Nearly 400 Leaders to Hong Kong

Nearly 400 leaders and experts from industry, academia, and government gathered at M+ on October 22, 2026 for the 
2026 Sustainability Forum: Global Leadership Dialogue,” organised by the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute.

Established by HKU Business School and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Institute convened the forum at a critical juncture for global decarbonisation, as Hong Kong launched its first Five-Year Plan and deepened regional cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework. Discussions spanned practical decarbonisation strategies, transition finance, regional supply-chain resilience, and the role of green finance in driving inclusive growth.

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, emphasised the unique role of universities in driving the green transition. “Universities play a unique role in bringing empirical evidence and diverse professions to policy-makers and practitioners,” he said, highlighting that the Institute is translating cutting-edge research into tangible actions, advising policy frameworks, and developing enterprise sustainability indices.

Mrs Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, Convenor of the Non-official Members of Hong Kong's Executive Council, delivered a clear message on the direction of sustainable investment. “Impact investing should go beyond financial performance assessment,” she said. “It should channel capital into livelihood and green sectors, such as healthcare and clean energy, so as to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School, said: ”Sustainability is about securing the future of the next generation. No single institution or sector can achieve this alone. That is why HKU Business School is committed to fostering collaboration across sectors and regions, harnessing cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary education to empower future leaders.“

Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme called for a more resilient form of globalisation rather than abandoning international trade. “We have to rethink globalisation,” he said. ”International trade, free trade is still the essence, the driving engine of progress.“ Mr Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, stressed that sustainability cooperation must translate into “practical, inclusive outcomes” across the Asia-Pacific, pointing to Hong Kong's ability to connect capital, technology, and talent between the Greater Bay Area and the wider world.

A Hong Kong Strategic Development Tour on October 23, co-organised with InvestHK and supported by CLP Power and Jao Tsung-I Academy, brought APEC delegates and international scholars to see first-hand the city's low-carbon transition, cultural heritage revitalisation projects, and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area under the Northern Metropolis plan.

The forum‘s live stream attracted more than 30,000 viewers worldwide.