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Message from the 2021 Convening Institution

Universities have a social responsibility for sustainable development.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is honoured to take up the convenorship of the HKSCC again and chair the executive committee in 2021. Over the past decade, the consortium has become one of the major platforms to advance sustainable development in the tertiary education sector in the region.

Universities have a social responsibility for sustainable development. From installing solar panels to engaging in community projects, the eight member institutions of the HKSCC have made some amazing changes on their campuses. At CUHK, the philosophy of sustainable development is firmly embedded in all our values and aspirations and we have implemented policies and programmes that place sustainability at the centre of our university life. We look forward to working with fellow HKSCC members to explore and deliver innovative solutions and develop responsible processes that will benefit the tertiary education and school sectors in Hong Kong.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen individuals work together and make positive differences on one another’s wellbeing. The HKSCC is a community committed to building sustainable campuses where brilliant people come together to learn, work, create and prosper. We believe that our joint effort will promise a more sustainable future for those who follow in our footsteps.

Eric S. P. Ng Cecilia S. S. Lam

Co-Chair, HKSCC Executive Committee Co-Chair, HKSCC Executive Committee

Background

There is increasing global attention to climate change and the associated challenges of sustainable development. Asia is a region that is highly vulnerable—in which economic development, environmental degradation, and the growth of the higher education sector have been dramatic in recent decades. Public and private organisations around the world are seeking new ways to respond to these issues. Universities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) recognize that they have a responsibility to take up this challenge by contributing to solutions and strategies that will serve our community and the world.

Therefore, the Vice-Chancellors and Presidents of the eight publicly-funded universities in the HKSAR signed the Hong Kong Declaration in May 2010—a statement of principles which highlights the importance of sustainable development in light of climate change, and a commitment to provide appropriate responses to the ensuing challenges through the universities’ core missions of research, teaching and knowledge exchange. The Hong Kong Declaration also acknowledges the importance of universities to serve as models within the community and to work across communities to forge appropriate solutions.

With the signing of the Hong Kong Declaration, all the eight institutions joined hands to form the Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC) in 2010.

Encourage and promote the ongoing efforts of the member universities in their development and implementation of sustainability solutions through research and teaching, campus policies and operations, local and international outreach, and knowledge exchange;
Provide a vehicle for mutual support and the exchange of good practices with member universities through appropriate programs, projects and activities, and the establishment of specialist groups and/or working parties, as necessary;
Provide a platform for public discussion of these issues through regular meetings, conferences, ad hoc projects, electronic communications and other means; and
Facilitate the sharing of information and resources as the member universities’ interests and activities with regard to sustainability expand in the future.

HKSCC Strategic Plan 2019–2027

One of the many positive outcomes of the HKSCC over the past eight years was the coalescing of a strong sustainability vision among the eight schools. While each school remained unique in character, the identity of the consortium took shape as a collective force for promoting sustainability within our larger higher education community. First by sharing ideas, approaches, and data, and later by collaborating on areas of interest, the consortium now has a solid foundation for promoting sustainability within the Hong Kong university sector. Over the next eight years, the consortium has the potential to move beyond a platform of sharing to a platform for developing more dynamic and active collaborative sustainability solutions. This 2019–2027 Strategic Plan sets forth goals, strategies, and tactics for achieving this vision.

HKSCC Executive Committee

Member universities take turns to take up the HKSCC convenorship on a yearly basis, with secretarial support provided by the convening institution. In 2013, the HKSCC agreed to move the term of the convenorship from an academic year to a calendar year. In 2021, the consortium established the HKSCC Executive Committee, which is chaired by the convening institution.

2021 The Chinese University of Hong Kong

2020 The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

2019 The University of Hong Kong

2018 Lingnan University

2017 The Education University of Hong Kong

2016 Hong Kong Baptist University

2015 City University of Hong Kong

2014 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

2012–2013 The Chinese University of Hong Kong

2011–2012 The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

2010–2011 The University of Hong Kong