Date: 15 May 2021
Time: 2pm -6pm (GMT+8)
Venue: Hong Kong Productivity Council
In few years ago, the Hong Kong authorities have taken the initiative to enhance social environment by introducing the concept of sustainability impact. Public awareness about local consumption and waste treatment practice has been raised. Therefore, JCI Ocean and STAR Foundation co-hosted an opening ceremony (Its theme was “Connecting Future Through Sustainability Impact”) at the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) on 15 May.
Dr. CHAN Pak Li, Bernard, JP, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, The Government of Hong Kong SAR and Dr. Luo Xiang, Roy, the China Chief Representative for The United Nations Office for Project Services, joined the opening ceremony as the honorable guests, accompanied by Mr. Dominic Yin, the UNDP Consultant, Dr. Shirley Yeung, Associate Vice President of UNESCO-HK, and Ms. Linda Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Green Council as guest speakers to share their insights about local sustainable development and waste in Hong Kong.
The ceremony aimed at economic recovery and green financial development by making the sustainable impact on local environment and technology. Sustainability Impact Assessment is one of the highlights of the ceremony.
Dr. Bernard P.L. Chan, JP, stated, “Citizens should change their mind due to increasingly large consumption in Hong Kong. The government will cooperate with every organization to explore the needs of citizens in order to introduce sustainability concept into local policies, when it comes to environmental protection and education.” He pointed out that sharing economy becomes increasingly popular and can be a solution to waste. It is a great contribution to the sustainable development. Finally, he encouraged local enterprises to embrace the sustainability concept while the economy is rebuilding.
Dr. Luo Xiang, Roy, specified that sustainable development can create tides of positive changes to the whole wide world. High-tech products (such as new energy vehicles, energy efficient buildings, intelligent transport system etc.) are the backbone of sustainable development. This is an upward trend that not only do corporates benefit from it, but also the new generations.
While Mr. Ning Chong (chairman at S.T.A.R.S. Foundation) started his speech, he demonstrated that most of the corporate in Hong Kong have implemented sustainable goals with the concept of environmental protection, green finance, and big data analysis. Moreover, the other organizations also strive for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals so that they can develop a better community hand in hand.
Mr. Rex Choi, the President of JCI Ocean stated that JCI Ocean spare no effort to raise the awareness of local environmental issues. He desired to explore the room for the environmental protection & development through waste treatment and carbon neutrality.
Mr. Dominic Yin indicated that hydrogen economy and circular economy are the future direction of energy development. He had conducted a research which was about to change the hydrogen from gas state to solid state. This new form of energy is easy to store, transport and can be safe to the environments. Several experiments are implemented in Foshan and South China Sea. People have attempted to abstract hydrogen from garbage, in order to create a whole-new energy source.
Ms. Cherry Ng mentioned that L'Occitane strives to achieve sustainable development goals. Their customers are exposed to the concept of environmental protection through their retail experience. For example, they will get a rebate after purchasing green and environmental-friendly products. Moreover, L'Occitane has been cooperating with green organizations to promote green concept by having live streams and lectures. Stakeholders and consumer can get to know the importance of environmental protection.