(From left) Dubai Prince Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum; John Leung, associate vice-president (knowledge exchange) of HSUHK; William Tien, International Strategic Relations Director of Private Office Sheikh Ali Bin Rashed Al Maktoum of Dubai; and Simon Ho Shun-man, President of HSUHK pose for a group photo at the signing ceremony of an memorandum of understanding to promote sustainable development at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong on March 26, 2024. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
New initiative to foster closer partnerships with ASEAN, Asia-Pacific nations to boost sustainability
The Asia-Pacific ASEAN Green Deal Centre, or APAGDC, was launched on March 26 in Hong Kong as officials, experts, and investors called for closer partnership to ensure a greener future for the region.
“The center will serve as a hub of knowledge and expertise dedicated to driving sustainable practices across industries,” said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, in a congratulatory message delivered via video link at the opening ceremony of the APAGDC at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, or HSUHK.
As a university-level study and development center, the APAGDC will engage in exchanges and cooperation with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the broader Asia-Pacific
Noting the center will provide a platform for collaboration and foster partnerships between academia, business, and government entities, Chan said that he believes Hong Kong can make valuable contributions to green transition.
“By harnessing the collective expertise of academia, industry leaders, and policymakers, we can drive innovation, share sustainable practices, and promote partnership,” said Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan in a video message.
Noting that Hong Kong has set an ambitious target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, Tse said this must be done by undertaking sustainability principles and requires the efforts of different sectors.
As a university-level study and development center, the APAGDC will engage in exchanges and cooperation with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the broader Asia-Pacific.
The APAGDC’s remit is to foster government-business-community partnerships that will drive impactful change for sustainable development, by leveraging advocacy, education, and engagement.
At the event HSUHK also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on promoting sustainable development with the Private Office of Sheikh Ali Bin Rashed Al Maktoum of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
The partnership will cover student exchange programs, scholarships, and other areas of collaboration. The private office will also assist HSUHK in identifying sustainability-related donations and sponsorships to improve the APAGDC’s sustainability and development research.
Furthermore, the collaboration will explore joint initiatives and projects related to education on sustainability, including research, training, and consultation projects.
“The APAGDC is more than just a center for learning and development. It stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and collaboration,” said HSUHK President Simon Ho Shun-man, who witnessed the MoU signing.
The opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific ASEAN Green Deal Centre was held at the The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong on March 26, 2024. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Noting that education is key to achieving a sustainable society, Ho said he eagerly anticipate forging stronger partnership with the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN to work together to shape a greener future.
“To me, what being green means stands for resonates from empathy, comes from sensitivity toward yourself and others,” said Sheikh Ali Al Maktoum, the nephew of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ali said it is a mission for everyone to keep striving and work together to create a long-lasting social impact.
“Undoubtedly, the future belongs to Asia,” said Albert Oung, co-director of the APAGDC. “Whether this is a blessing or a curse depends on our wisdom, our ability to bring about positive changes responsibly.”
To realize the vision of a world that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally conscious and socially just, Oung said future-oriented policy support, cooperation, and technology are important.
More assistance should also be given to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through digital green bonds and green fintech initiatives, he added.
Syeeda Khatija K, industry committee chairperson of the Hong Kong-Middle East Business Chamber, said the APADGC is “a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region”.
Promoting sustainability will be helpful for businesses related to natural resources, said Khatija, founder of the International Halotherapy Association. Halotherapy is an alternative treatment that makes use of salt.
“I think it is key to integrate nature and people in any equation in business,” said Sveta Banerjee, founder and managing director of Impact Investing Solutions, a consultancy based in Switzerland.
Seeing the APADGC as a great initiative that integrates education in the green business ecosystem, Banerjee said her company is also exploring the Dubai market and wishes to expand its expertise to Hong Kong.
Jan Yumul in Hong Kong contributed to this story.
