CityUHK Showcases Global Leadership in Sustainability at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) proudly showcased its leadership in sustainability and innovation at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 (GSDC2025), held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The university’s experts participated in five impactful sessions, addressing urgent global challenges and advancing solutions for a sustainable future.
1. CityUHK and the UN Science Decade: Ensuring a sustainable future for our planet through innovation
On 16 June 2025, CityUHK introduced the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Programme, a global initiative co-developed with partners from 21 countries. Led by Professor Anderson Shum, Professor Edwin Tso, and UNESCO’s Dr. Lin Wang, the session emphasized scalable technologies for environmental sustainability and social equity, aligned with the UN’s Science Decade (2024–2033).
2. Combating biodiversity loss in our oceans
Professor Kenneth Leung JP, Chair Professor and Director, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution of CityUHK led a dynamic panel consists with members Professor Brendan Godley, Professor of Conservation Science, University of Exeter, Ms. Heidi Savelli Soderberg, Chief of Source to Sea Pollution Unit, United Nations Environment Programme and Ms. Amy Zhang, Head of Sustainable Solutions and Products, Asia-Pacific, Global Markets, Société Généraleon, ocean conservation, highlighting the threats of pollution, overharvesting, and climate change. Experts from the UN, academia, and industry discussed strategies for habitat restoration, policy reform, and private sector engagement to safeguard marine ecosystems and their economic value.
3. Are we at a defining moment for climate change and sustainability?
Our Dean, Professor Benjamin Horton delivered a talk on 17 June 2025 which explored the broader dimensions of sustainability, emphasizing the need for responsible resource management and social justice. Case studies on passive cooling and nature-based solutions illustrated how cross-sector partnerships can drive climate resilience.
4. Bridging the gap: Strengthening the triple helix of university-industry-government collaboration for energy sustainability
On 18 June 2025, CityUHK faculty, including Professors Angus Yip, Professor Mandy Meng Fang, Professor Bert George, and Professor Shauhrat Chopra, joined industry leader Mr. Tim Wong, Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability Hub Lead for Asia AECOM to discuss collaboration between universities, industry, and government. The panel addressed energy technologies, policy frameworks, and strategic partnerships to accelerate carbon reduction and innovation.
5. Boosting urban renewable energy access through innovative photovoltaic technologies
Professor Angus Yip also presented cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) technologies that can transform urban energy strategies on 18 June 2025. The session explored applications such as building-integrated PV, solar roads, and printable PV systems, offering new pathways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
CityUHK’s active engagement at GSDC2025 reflects its commitment to global sustainability and its role as a catalyst for research-driven transformation. The university continues to foster international collaboration and innovation to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
For more information about the Global Sustainable Development Congress, please visit website at: https://www.timeshighered-events.com/gsd-congress-2025/agenda/speakers/3692166