Created on 4 July 2025
On June 27, 2025, the SDSN Hong Kong and the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong co-hosted the Distinguished Lecture on Sustainable Development titled "Cities as Transformative Agents for Global Sustainability” by Professor Xuemei Bai, who is the Distinguished Professor, Urban Environment and Human Ecology at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University. This year’s event marked the first collaboration between SDSN Hong Kong and the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong, fostering cross-regional dialogue on sustainability.
The lecture began with a welcome address by Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and co-chair of SDSN Hong Kong, who reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through research, innovation, and collaboration. Mr Alistair McEachern, Acting Australian Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, followed with opening remarks, highlighting Australia’s commitment to climate action and global cooperation.
Professor Bai’s lecture explored the nexus between cities and climate change. Drawing on over two decades of interdisciplinary research, Professor Bai stressed the evolving role of cities in addressing global environmental challenges, and proposed a reconceptualization of cities as dynamic systems capable of driving transformative change. She emphasized the importance of integrating urban planning, governance and innovation to foster resilient, inclusive, sustainable urban futures.
The lecture was followed by an engaging discussion session moderated by Professor Amos Tai, Deputy Chair (Education) of CUHK’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Topics such as climate adaptation, urban resilience, and the role of local governance in sustainability were explored in depth, with Professor Bai’s insights resonating strongly with the audience.
The Distinguished Lecture on Sustainable Development series aims to stimulate ideas, foster dialogue, and encourage collaboration across academia, philanthropy, government, business, and civil society. By convening global thought leaders and local stakeholders, the series supports SDSN Hong Kong’s mission to mobilize knowledge and partnerships in pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future.
