President and Vice-chancellor of HKU, Zhang Xiang, delivers a speech at the ceremony on June 26, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The University of Hong Kong inked a memorandum of understanding with Fudan University and the University of Sydney on Monday, which aims to achieve the common goal of advancing research and education programs that focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality in the Asia-Pacific region.

This agreement was signed at the 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), which was held from June 25-27 and hosted by HKU under the theme “From Invention to Implementation — Solutions for a Sustainable Future”.

The MoU says that the three universities will work together toward developing universitywide targets for achieving carbon neutrality, collaborating on research endeavors, and establishing a joint research hub

The MoU says that the three universities will work together toward developing universitywide targets for achieving carbon neutrality, collaborating on research endeavors, and establishing a joint research hub. In addition, students will have the opportunity to gain essential knowledge and experience in promoting sustainability and carbon neutrality through regular roundtable workshops and exchange programs.

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In his welcoming speech, Zhang Xiang, HKU president and vice-chancellor, said: “With the rich experience, insights, and talents across our networks, we will establish a research mega-hub that connects and creates synergies across regions. Through the teaching and learning programmes under the MoU, our combined impact will reach far and wide.”

Mark Scott, vice-chancellor and president of The University of Sydney, said at the ceremony, “We will be looking to draw on the university’s multidisciplinary strength to engage researchers from medicine and health, climate change, sustainability and other areas, and from our strategic initiatives such as the Net Zero Initiative and Sydney Environment Institute.”

Lei Xu, Fudan University professor and vice-president, stressed the importance of universities in the Asia-Pacific region working together to achieve a greener and more balanced future through enhanced cooperation.

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“Fudan University has made significant contributions to addressing contemporary challenges, such as establishing the first International Centre of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health on the Chinese mainland,” he added.