Co-hosted by CUHK, the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress was held between 10 and 13 June in Bangkok. The event saw a convergence of some 3,000 academics, global thought leaders and innovators in sustainability to discuss ways to foster sustainable development globally.

A high-level delegation from CUHK, comprising the University’s senior management and researchers specialising in sustainable development, attended the conference. At the Leaders’ Summits, Provost Professor Alan Chan shared his insights on various topics, including ways to collectively tackle global challenges and sustainability trends. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sham Mai-har and Professor Edward Ng of the School of Architecture spoke on how universities could make a bigger impact. Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management Professor Kwan Mei-po also gave a keynote speech on how CUHK has been taking the lead in promoting social responsibility and sustainable development.

During the four-day event, the delegation engaged in exchanges on different strands of sustainability with participants from around the world at various panel discussions, where they elaborated on ways to achieve sustainability at both educational and institutional levels. Two student ambassadors of the CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, Felix Chan Ka-chai and Carmen Cheng Ka-man, participated in a panel discussion, during which they shared their thoughts on how they have put sustainability into practice at the University. Both Chan and Cheng felt it was an invaluable opportunity, which allowed them to exchange views with industry and academic leaders, while bringing the perspective and insights of younger generation to the international stage.

Chan was delighted to attend the conference where he shared his thoughts with others. He realised that he was not alone on the path of sustainability as there were many passionate people working for the cause. That the discussions went beyond policymaking to include implementation was immensely motivating, he said.

Cheng, who was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the event, was exhilarated to bring students’ viewpoint to the congress, as it is a rare opportunity for students to participate and speak at such large-scale events. She was eager to make the most of the summit by talking with different people, which broadened her understanding of various aspects of sustainable development.