Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, delivers Opening Remarks for HKCW
Initiated and hosted by the University of Hong Kong (HKU)'s Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality (ICCN), Hong Kong Climate Week 2026 marks its opening today under the theme "From Mitigation to Adaptation — Bridging Global Consensus and Local Implementation." The week-long event aims to harness Hong Kong's unique strengths as an international financial centre and a global connectivity hub to accelerate a just, inclusive and resilient net-zero transition. It also underscores Hong Kong's role as a "two-way bridge," connecting the Chinese Mainland with the world, advancing the deployment of climate technology, and channelling green finance.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and technologies at an unprecedented pace, while also driving immense demand for electricity. Yet geopolitical tensions are disrupting stable energy supplies, with ripple effects across global supply chains and economic development. Evidence shows that accelerating green energy and taking decisive action on climate change are not only about protecting ecosystems and communities, they are also about unlocking economic potential and driving growth. The international consensus on climate change has now moved beyond "Mitigation" to a proactive embrace of "Adaptation." This shift calls for new technological pathways, policy implementation, green finance, and cross-sector collaboration.
Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, delivered the opening remarks at Hong Kong Climate Week. He said, "The climate challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities – provided that we act with urgency and determination. There is much Hong Kong can – and should – do to support the national and regional drive towards carbon neutrality. Hong Kong can leverage its unique strengths as a leading international financial centre and a rising global innovation and technology hub. We offer not only capital and green technologies, but also the connectivity that bridges markets and talent that help shape solutions and drive collaboration."
Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong is well positioned to channel private capital into green transition projects, expand carbon-market connectivity, and scale up green and climate technologies, in particular those powered by artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of nurturing talent in climate finance and risk management, as well as relevant technologies.
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said at the opening ceremony that the University is aiming to serve as an "engine" in this green transformation by supporting research and the realisation of R&D, and more importantly, to take on the critical role of nurturing talent in this field. He remarked, "I'm most glad to see many young faces today, which exemplifies the most valuable mission of the University of Hong Kong and in general the education sector. That is, on top of bringing new scientific and research breakthroughs for climate challenges, to pass on our knowledge and well-equip our next generations to continue this important task and effort."
Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of HKU said, "Over the next seven days, we will engage in dialogue that span from global finance to grassroots youth empowerment. I invite you all to use this week not just for discussion, but for the forging of new partnerships. Let us use the innovations we discuss here-from clean energy technologies to AI-driven adaptation-to protect our shared home."
He added that the deep application of AI is creating a more favourable environment for research, application, and knowledge transfer, which would better support the international community in addressing climate change, advancing green development, and making greater contributions to human health.
This year's Hong Kong Climate Week brings together representatives from the United Nations, officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, world-leading scientists, including over a dozen Academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as leaders from pioneering companies such as CATL, EQT Asia, Hang Seng Bank, Tencent, and Google. Together, they explored cutting-edge solutions spanning clean energy to climate adaptation, working to translate global commitments into transformative action.
In addition, Mr Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, Ms Yang Liu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Dr Youssef Nassef, Director, Adaptation Division, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Mr Joseph Chan, HKSAR Government's Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury and guests will speak at the "Action for Earth" Summit on 30 March, focusing on policy implementation and local action. For the agenda for the day, please visit: www.hkclimateweek.org
