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The 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum, co-organised by the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong and the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), officially opened this morning. The two-day event brings together government representatives, experts, scholars, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges posed by climate change and explore mitigation measures. Participants will also exchange how Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) can leverage green technology, green finance, and policy support to unlock vast opportunities through innovative practices.

In his opening remarks, Mr XIA Yingxian, Director General of the Department of Climate Change at the National Ministry of Ecology and Environment, reaffirmed that the nation has established a comprehensive regulatory system for carbon emissions trading and completed the first batch of voluntary emission reduction registrations, effectively managing over 60% of the country's total carbon emissions.

XIA said, “Hong Kong is a bridge connecting the mainland with the world, boasting a robust financial system and regulatory mechanisms. We hope Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantages as an international financial hub to deepen global cooperation in carbon markets. By introducing advanced international practices and sharing China’s carbon market success stories, Hong Kong can better integrate into the national carbon market development strategy and actively contribute to achieving the nation’s dual carbon goals.”

Speaking at the event, Mr TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the Hong Kong government’s initiatives and support for environmental conservation and climate change adaptation, alongside advancements in integrating AI and big data with green technology and green finance. TSE said, "Industrialisation has changed the world. In many aspects, it has improved human livelihoods, but at the same time, it has damaged the delicate balance of the Earth that sustains the ecological world. Carbon neutrality is a difficult challenge, but it is the only option. Let us embrace the green transition and work together to build a new ecological civilisation – for our children and their children, on this planet."

Professor ZHANG Xiang, President of the University of Hong Kong, called for increased collaboration among research and development institutions worldwide to drive innovation and application in green technology, stating, " As we witness the escalating impacts of climate disruption—from extreme weather to biodiversity loss—we are also presented with unprecedented possibilities to redefine our future through science, policy, and collective action. Here in Hong Kong, a city that bridges East and West, uniquely positioned to amplify Asia’s voice in the global climate dialogue and to pioneer solutions that resonate across borders."

The first day of the forum featured multiple thematic discussions on topics including "Global Carbon Markets and Hong Kong’s Opportunities" and "Bridging the Finance Gap: Hong Kong’s Role in Supporting Energy Transition of Global South," focusing on issues such as the green low-carbon economy, carbon peaking, carbon neutrality, ecological conservation, and pollution prevention. Experts and participants agreed that global action must be accelerated to drive a comprehensive green transformation of economies and societies to address the increasingly severe climate challenges.

On the second day of the forum (March 25), Mr Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the Government of the HKSAR, will deliver a keynote speech exploring the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology in sustainable development. Professor GONG Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong, will join experts from academia and industry worldwide to discuss how AI can serve as a new engine for green technology development, as well as explore the latest energy-saving, emission-reduction technologies, and renewable energy solutions.

This year marks the second edition of the "Hong Kong Climate Forum". The inaugural forum, held in April last year under the theme "Greater Bay Area – Climate Action and Cooperation," brought together government representatives, scholars, and experts from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and California, USA to discuss advancing carbon neutrality goals and strengthening regional collaboration and green finance initiatives.

About The Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality
The Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) at the University of Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a prominent global hub for climate science research. Its focus includes studying the effects of climate change on both ecosystems and humans, as well as developing strategies and technologies for mitigating and adapting to these changes. The institute intends to facilitate connections and collaborations between Hong Kong and mainland China, the Greater Bay Area, and other neighbouring regions to foster innovation and exchange in clean technology.

Media Inquiries
Please contact HKU Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN) by email (iccn@hku.hk)