City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, between 14 and 16 November. CityUHK is dedicated to tackling pressing global problems through pioneering research. Promoting sustainability, championing a green environment and empowering change are fundamental to the academic and research mission of the University.

On November 15, CityUHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at the event to promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world. The MoU was signed by Ms Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD and Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between CityUHK and UNCTAD in the fields of investment, finance and sustainable development, allowing both parties to explore specific cooperation content and methods in research, training, community engagement and international outreach to produce synergy and valuable results in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Collaborative research is an important element of this partnership. UNCTAD has accumulated 60 years of rich experience and fruitful results in policy-oriented research on international economic and development issues, while CityUHK has established significant advantages in academic research and regional influence. I believe that our cooperation in the field of research will produce effective results, thereby creating a good foundation for our cooperation in other areas,” said Ms Grynspan.

“I am confident that our cooperation will yield fruitful results and have a strong impact on the region and the rest of the world,” said President Boey. “The world needs to explore more effective ways of uniting higher education, governments, industry and society for a sustainable future. The cooperation between CityUHK and UNCTAD showcases the hugely influential role universities can play in sustainability in partnership with global institutions, and we will continue to implement various exciting and novel initiatives to promote research synergy.”

The CityUHK delegation, led by President Boey, also met with Ms Grynspan and Ms Nan Li Collins, Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD. The CityUHK delegation also included Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research), Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Director of the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, Professor Alfred Ho Tat-kei, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Ilex Lam Ka-keung, Professor of Practice and Co-Director of the Lab for Impact Financing and Transformation, Professor Anthony Cheung Chun-yue, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs, and Ms Pheck Choo Ng, Director of the Office of the President and the Global Engagement Office.

CityUHK stood as the sole University Partner for the Trade and Investment House at COP29, co-hosted by the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the World Trade Organization Secretariat, the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Trade Centre and UNCTAD. In the “Investing in Green Transition and Adaptation” session, held on 15 November, President Boey delivered a keynote speech, titled "Innovation and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Accelerating Climate Action", detailing how pioneering research can address pressing sustainability challenges.

Additionally, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of CityUHK organised the CityUHK-COP29 Transformational Leadership Programme to offer participants from the education and business sectors a unique opportunity to engage with global leaders and experts in sustainability at COP29. Through activities before, during, and after the COP29 meetings, the programme equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to drive impactful change within their organisations and communities.

The collaborative side events organised by CityUHK and UNCTAD sought to drive action and innovation in various fields, including innovative finance. Distinguished participants shared their experience and insights on a broad array of topics, such as accelerating climate action through innovation, investment and inclusive solutions; investing in green transition and adaptation; fostering collaborative climate action for inclusive solutions; and uniting for sustainable education and climate action.