On June 27, 2025, the Hong Kong Chapter of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (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.
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. About SDSN Hong Kong: The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust have co-hosted SDSN Hong Kong since 2018. Under the umbrella of the global SDSN, SDSN Hong Kong is dedicated to identifying ways of collaborating on research and pursuing sustainability solutions with local and international researchers and leaders in sustainable development.