Campus Digest

SCE holds international symposium, gathering global experts to build climate resilience

Monday, 29 June 2026

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The Symposium gathers over 400 experts for transdisciplinary exchange.
Professor Alex Wai says HKBU has long been committed to promoting climate action through transdisciplinary collaboration.
Professor Ronald Chung says the Symposium aims to promote knowledge transfer and drive social innovation.
Miss Diane Wong commends HKBU for actively strengthening climate resilience in Hong Kong.
Five world-renowned experts converge at the Symposium, including Professor Alan Reid (3rd right), Professor Boyi Yang (2nd right), Professor Liuna Geng (2nd left) and Professor Ann Sanson (1st left) on-site, alongside Dr Najma Mohamed who joined virtually.
The Symposium receives support from various HKSAR Government departments, as well as local and international partners.

 

The School of Continuing Education (SCE) hosted the “Empowering Tomorrow: International Symposium on Building Climate Resilience for Generations to Come” on 12 June. As one of the academic events celebrating HKBU’s 70th Anniversary, the Symposium brought together over 400 participants from 12 countries or regions, including experts, academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and youth for transdisciplinary exchange, focusing on key areas such as climate resilience, sustainable development, youth engagement and nature-based solutions.

The Symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU. “HKBU has long been committed to addressing global challenges. This Symposium exemplifies our dedication to transdisciplinary collaboration and global partnership. We aim to inspire practical solutions that empower future generations to adapt to climate change and thrive in an ever-changing world,” he said.

Professor Ronald Chung, Dean of SCE, expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), global partners and keynote speakers for their vital support. “The School’s mission is to translate our research findings into meaningful outcomes with community impact.  The Symposium is about transferring knowledge and driving real-world change through collaboration,” he said.

Miss Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Government of the HKSAR, said the Government attaches great importance to biodiversity and environmental conservation in Hong Kong. Through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the Government sets out actions that treat climate resilience and biodiversity conservation as mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainability. She also commended HKBU for actively strengthening climate resilience in Hong Kong and bringing positive impact to society.

The Symposium featured keynote addresses by five world-renowned experts, namely Professor Alan Reid, Professor of the Faculty of Education at Monash University; Professor Boyi Yang, Professor of the School of Public Health at Sun Yat-Sen University; Professor Liuna Geng, Professor of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Nanjing University; Professor Ann Sanson, Honorary Professorial Fellow of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at University of Melbourne; and Dr Najma Mohamed, Head of Nature-Based Solutions of the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Their presentations covered a broad range of critical topics, including climate education, public health, environmental psychology and global policy.

The Symposium also featured a poster presentation session showcasing over 40 research projects. Participants engaged in lively discussions, laying the foundation for future collaboration. The event was supported by multiple units under the Environment and Ecology Bureau and numerous local and international partners.