An upcoming forum in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will draw on the city’s role as a superconnector to debate diplomatic issues and foster dialogue and decision-making among business, academic and community leaders, its organizer said at a news conference on Tuesday.

James Chau, president of the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), said the seventh US-China Hong Kong Forum, to be held from Sunday through Tuesday, aims to help Hong Kong make “a very valuable contribution” to advancing China-US relations.

CUSEF, which describes itself as an exchange platform for the peoples of China, the United States and around the world, was founded in 2008 by Tung Chee-hwa, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR. Tung died in September at the age of 89. The forum will hold a special session to commemorate him, including a brief video tribute to his dedication to peace and cooperation.

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CUSEF said the forum’s theme — “Tomorrow will be better than today” — echoes a belief held by Tung.

Chau highlighted the forum’s significance this year, as it is scheduled to take place ahead of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Shenzhen on Nov 18 and 19. It also anticipates the 25th anniversary of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization at the end of this year, and the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 2027.

He said he hopes the forum, co-organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, a Beijing-based organization, will “connect high-level diplomacy with the wider dialogue that we need to carry forward”.

The forum will convene global diplomatic, business and academic leaders to explore how diplomatic engagement can build lasting stability and cooperation. Discussions will focus on key topics shaping future China-US relations, such as geopolitical stability, economic interdependence, international exchange, and the impact of artificial intelligence on children.

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Known as an international city connecting East and West, Hong Kong “does really well” at creating an environment conducive to dialogue, especially people-to-people exchange, and provides a strong platform to link diplomatic discussions with the decisions facing businesses, universities, communities and young people, Chau said.

Chau added that given Hong Kong’s unique status, shifts in China-US relations and the wider international landscape will also affect the city’s development in areas like trade, investment and technology. He called on the city to monitor these changes closely and respond proactively.

To that end, the organizers have arranged a dedicated session on Hong Kong’s role and the challenges it faces amid evolving China-US relations. Experts and stakeholders from home and abroad will explore what it means for Hong Kong to navigate competing systems and powers.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com