Created on 31 July 2024
On July 11, 2024, the SDSN Hong Kong hosted the Distinguished Lecture on Sustainable Development titled "Safeguarding the Global Commons” by Professor Naoko Ishii, who serves as the Special Presidential Envoy for Global Commons at the University of Tokyo, emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the "global commons" – the shared natural resources and ecosystems that underpin human wellbeing and prosperity.
The lecture started with a welcome address by Professor Rocky Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, emphasized the University's strong commitment to promoting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its campus, local community and global networks. The universities, as the birthplace and incubator of knowledge, have a vital role in mobilizing movements alongside policymakers, businesses and civil society to ensure responsible stewardship of the global commons. This is both a moral and legitimate mission of an educational institution.
Professor Ishii’s lecture delved into the concept of Global Commons – the global-scale challenges and issues. She noted that global challenges have become more apparent as humanity has started to reach the planetary boundaries and experience the interconnectedness of global issues through rapid globalization. She emphasized the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how we approach sustainability, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach involving academia, policymakers, businesses, and citizens, all informed by scientific advancements. Leveraging digital technology to build a sense of global community was also proposed as a potential avenue to scale up local governance models.
Throughout the event, Professor Ishii expressed hope that the younger generation may be able to develop more effective ways to address global commons challenges and ensure a livable planet for present and future generations. The discussion explored the specific modifications required in our economic systems and lifestyles to achieve sustainability, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the environmental crisis and the collective actions needed to address it.
This event reinforced SDSN Hong Kong's commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and its role as a leader in sustainable development research and education. The insights and discussions generated will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing discourse on safeguarding the global commons and shaping a more sustainable future.
