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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently hosted the “Distinguished Lecture on Sustainable Development 2025”, focusing on the relationship between urban cities and climate change. The event gathered academics, policymakers and industry professionals to discuss the role of cities in tackling global environmental challenges. The event not only encouraged knowledge exchange on sustainability-related issues but also marked the first collaboration between the Hong Kong Chapter of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Hong Kong) and the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong – an important step toward achieving sustainable development goals.

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, emphasised the University’s dedication to sustainable development in his welcome address. He remarked: “At CUHK, we are committed to addressing society’s key challenges and contributing to the well-being of the global community. We believe that these challenges can be addressed through research, innovation and collaboration.”

Mr Alistair McEachern, Acting Australian Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, echoed this perspective: “Today’s event is part of Australia’s broader commitment to climate action and international cooperation. We value this collaboration with CUHK and SDSN Hong Kong, in support of our mutual commitment to a more resilient and sustainable future.”

The keynote speaker was Professor Bai Xuemei, a Distinguished Professor at The Australian National University’s Fenner School of Environment and Society. Her lecture, titled “Cities as Transformative Agents for Global Sustainability”, explored the nexus between cities and climate change. Drawing on over two decades of interdisciplinary research, Professor Bai stressed the evolving role of cities in addressing global environmental challenges, and proposed a reconceptualisation of cities as dynamic systems capable of driving transformative change. She emphasised the importance of integrating urban planning, governance and innovation to foster resilient, inclusive, sustainable urban futures.

The event concluded with an engaging discussion session led by Professor Amos Tai, the Deputy Chair (Education) of CUHK’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Attendees engaged in lively discussions on topics such as climate adaptation and urban resilience. Professor Bai’s insights on the accelerating impacts of climate change and rapid urbanisation resonated strongly with the audience, and offered valuable takeaways.

The “Distinguished Lecture on Sustainable Development” series aims to stimulate ideas, foster dialogue and encourage collaboration among academia, philanthropists, government, business and non-profit organisations to advance sustainable development at the global, national and local levels. Its goal is to make progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The event reaffirmed CUHK’s mission to mobilise knowledge and partnerships in pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future. By bringing together global thought leaders and local stakeholders, it reflected CUHK’s strong commitment to creating a better world through teaching, research and engagement.

About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Hong Kong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust have co-hosted the Hong Kong chapter of the SDSN since 2018. Under the umbrella of the global SDSN, SDSN Hong Kong seeks to mobilise expertise, information and resources from academia, philanthropists, government, businesses and non-profit organisations to address the most pressing environmental, social and economic issues in Hong Kong and advance sustainable development. SDSN Hong Kong is dedicated to identifying ways of collaborating on research and pursuing sustainability solutions with local and international researchers and leaders in sustainable development. For more information, please visit: https://sdsn-hk.org/en