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The School of Continuing Education (SCE) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) successfully hosted the “Empowering Tomorrow: International Symposium on Building Climate Resilience for Generations to Come” on 12 June 2026.  As a signature academic event celebrating HKBU’s 70th Anniversary, the Symposium brought together over 400 participants from 12 countries or regions, including academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and youth for interdisciplinary exchange, focusing on key areas such as climate resilience, sustainable development, youth engagement and nature-based solutions.

The Symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, who highlighted the University’s commitment to addressing global challenges.  “This Symposium exemplifies our dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and global partnership. We aim to inspire practical solutions that empower future generations to adapt to climate change and thrive in an ever-changing world,” he said.

Professor Ronald Chung, Dean of SCE, expressed his gratitude to the keynote speakers, worldwide collaborators and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for their vital support.  He emphasised the School’s mission to connect research with community impact, stating, “This Symposium is about turning knowledge into action and driving real-world change through collaboration."

The Guest of Honour, Miss Diane Wong, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, said the Government attaches great importance to conserving our biodiversity and environment. Through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), the Government sets out actions that treat climate resilience and biodiversity conservation as mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainability. She also commended HKBU for its support on strengthening climate resilience in Hong Kong.

The Symposium featured keynote addresses by five world-renowned experts from Australia, Chinese Mainland and the United Kingdom, namely Professor Alan Reid (Professor, Faculty of Education, Monash University), Professor Boyi Yang (Professor, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University), Professor Liuna Geng (Professor, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Nanjing University), Professor Ann Sanson (Honorary Professorial Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne) and Dr Najma Mohamed (Head of Nature-Based Solutions, UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre).  Their presentations covered a broad range of critical topics, including climate education, public health, environmental psychology and global policy.

A poster presentation session featuring over 40 research projects also took place, sparking meaningful discussions and opening doors for potential partnerships.

The success of the Symposium was made possible by the invaluable support of many partners. SCE is grateful for the contributions from various HKSAR Government departments, including support from the Environment and Ecology Bureau through its Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Countryside Conservation Office, and from the Development Bureau through its Civil Engineering and Development Department. This spirit of cooperation was shared by numerous local and international partners, such as World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, CarbonCare InnoLab, the Conservancy Association, the Nature Conservancy, the Green Earth, the Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Green Power and the Society of Wetland Scientists, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing climate resilience.