The UNESCO Hong Kong Association held the 2025 Secondary School Model UNESCO International Conference in Hong Kong on “Smart and Sustainable Cities”
Sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), organized by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) , and supported by the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, the “2025 Secondary School Model UNESCO (MUNESCO) International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Cities” was grandly held in Hong Kong from July 19-20, 2025.
Building on the success and global recognition of the previous four conferences, this year’s conference brought together aspiring youths from India, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Poland, Thailand, Turkmenistan, the UK, and cities in China including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Shanghai, and Shenzhen to co-create innovative solutions for smart and sustainable cities through negotiation, collaboration, and strategic exchange.
Model UNESCO is an interactive and youth-led experiential learning activity, in which simulate meetings that take place within UNESCO as the role of representatives of its Member States. They gain insight into international issues, with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), cultivating interdisciplinary critical skills such as systemic thinking, strategic thinking, collaboration, critical thinking, and integrated problem-solving, inspiring an organic integration of diverse cultures and thoughts.
This year’s conference continues our momentum to encourage students to draw insights from the smart and sustainable city solutions around the globe, and collaboratively draft the ” Youth Prospect on Smart and Sustainable Cities,” contribute youth ideas to promote Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development, Mr. TAI Sheung Shing, Victor, JP, Under Secretary for Housing of the Housing Bureau of the Government of the HKSARG, Mr Bindeswar Prasad LEKHAK, Consul General of Nepal in Hong Kong, Ms. Darya Bohdan, Acting Consul General of Belarus in Hong Kong, Mr Von Ryan S. Ferrera, Consul of the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Mrs. Magdalena Żukowska, Deputy Consul General of Poland in Hong Kong, and Miss AU Wing Yan, Christine, Principal Assistant Secretary (Planning & Lands) 2 of the Development Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR to officiate the kicked-off the ceremony.
Professor Karen Cheung delivered the welcome speech at the ceremony, emphasizing that the conference aligns with UNESCO’s role as a laboratory of ideas and a catalyst for international dialogue, bringing together eight city-related networks and programs across UNESCO’s fields of expertise, including the Creative Cities Network, the Global Network of Learning Cities, and the Media and Information Literacy Cities, which aim to construct inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. She encouraged students to bridge divides between technology and humanity, balance growth with equity, and harmonize local action with global vision to advance smart and sustainable urban development together.
Hong Kong is committed to building its image as “Asia’s World City” through comprehensive smart and sustainable urban planning. In the officiating remarks, Mr. TAI Sheung Shing, Victor, JP, Under Secretary for Housing of the Housing Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR, praised the conference for providing a space for youths to develop more in-depth understanding on smart and sustainable cities. He shared highlights on the applications of innovative technologies such as “Modular integrated Construction” in creating “Transitional Housing” and “Light Public Housing” to address sustainable housing needs in Hong Kong. These solutions have impressed international youth delegates with its short-term immediate assistance and long-term improvement of living conditions.
The ceremony also featured the “Youth Panel on Smart and Sustainable Cities”, where UNESCO Hong Kong Association Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors – Mr. Charles Lam, Ms. Syalis Kwok, Mr. Michael Sam, and representative from prize sponsor i2Cool, Mr. Ivan—shared how youth from different fields take responsibilities in advancing smart and sustainable cities, giving advice to students on entrepreneurship and leadership.
During the international cultural performance session of the ceremony, students showcased Chinese martial art, Indian Bollywood dance, Malaysian traditional dance, Polish cultural introduction, and singing performances, adding vibrancy to the event.
This year’s conference not only serves as a dynamic platform for youth to exchange innovative ideas on smart and sustainable cities but also celebrates the rich tapestry of global cultures. By bringing together young minds from diverse backgrounds, the event opens a window to international perspectives while highlighting Hong Kong’s leadership in sustainable urban development and technological advancement. Through collaboration, creativity, and shared vision, the conference empowers the next generation to collectively design inclusive, resilient, and intelligent cities—paving the way for a more sustainable future.
More information: https://unesco.hk/web/munesco-conference-city/
Enquiry: +852-2312-7696 / esd@unesco.hk
List of Awardees:
Best Delegation:
The delegation of Finland – Lee Suet Tsun, Yeung Yuet Fei Phoebe (Puiching Middle School (Hong Kong))
Outstanding Delegation:
The delegation of India – Arush Mukker, Aarav Rustogi (Heritage International Xperiential School)
The delegation of South Korea – Zhang, Yitian, Li, Jialin (Shenzhen Senior High School(Group) South Campus & Shenzhen Middle School)
Special Recognition:
The delegation of Bhutan – Cheng Hei Yeung, Lai Yee Ching (Ying Wa College)
The delegation of Japan – Kay Li, Wan (The Independent Schools Foundation Academy)
The delegation of Malaysia – Adeline binti Wira, Alya Alyssa binti Shahril Izwas (Sekolah Seri Puteri)
Best Strategy:
The delegation of Argentina – Cheng Zachary Michael (St. Stephen’s College)
The delegation of Poland – Julia Perlejewska, Zuzanna Jończyk (3rd High School in Gdynia)
The delegation of the United Kingdom – Hoi Tik Wong, Yueqi Chen (Greene’s College Oxford)
Best Delegate:
Cheng Zachary Michael (St. Stephen’s College)
Outstanding Delegate:
Ho Cheuk Yan, Vanessa (ELCHK Lutheran Academy)
Kay Li, Wan (The Independent Schools Foundation Academy)
Wong Sin Ping (Liu Po Shan Memorial College)
Wong Sin Kei Cedric (St. Stephen’s College)
Best speaker:
Alya Alyssa binti Shahril Izwas (Sekolah Seri Puteri)
Lee Shing Kwan (Ying Wa College)
Li, Jialin (Shenzhen Middle School)
Zhang, Yitian (Shenzhen Senior High School(Group) South Campus)
Schools of Finalists:
3rd High School in Gdynia
ELCHK Lutheran Academy
Greene’s College Oxford
Heep Yunn School
Heritage International Xperiential School
Hetauda School of Management of Social and Sciences
Kavya School
Ligao National High School
Liu Po Shan Memorial College
Macau Pui Ching Middle School
Pope Paul VI College
Puiching Middle School (Hong Kong)
Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys
Sekolah Seri Puteri
Shanghai Jincai High School
Shanghai Pudong Foreign Languages School Affiliated to SISU
Shenzhen Cuiyuan Middle School
Shenzhen Cuiyuan Wenjin Middle School
Shenzhen Middle School
Shenzhen Senior High School (Group) South Campus
Singapore International School of Bangkok
St. Stephen’s College
Strumienie Liceum Ogólnokształcące Stowarzyszenia STERNIK
The Independent Schools Foundation Academy
Turkmenistan, Arkadag City Specialized in Learning English Secondary School No. 3
Ying Wa College
ŻAGLE Liceum Ogólnokształcące Stowarzyszenia STERNIK
Acknowledgement:
Title Sponsor: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
Lead Supporter: The World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO
Supporting Organisations:
- Education Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSARG)
- Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau of the HKSARG
- Development Bureau of the HKSARG
- Housing Bureau of the HKSARG
- Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development of the HKSARG
- The Education University of Hong Kong
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers
- Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council
- Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Hong Kong)
- The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
- New Territories School Heads Association
- Hong Kong Island School Heads Association
- The Association of English Medium Secondary Schools
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology GREAT Smart Cities Institute
Supporting Consulates:
- Consulate General of Belarus in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Belgium in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Cambodia in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Egypt in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Germany in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong
- Consulate General of Poland in Hong Kong
Co – Organiser: Sprinkles (HK) Charity Foundation Limited
Prize Sponsor: i2Cool Limited
Conference Background
Between 2022 and 2024, the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UNESCO HKA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) successfully organized four Model UNESCO (MUNESCO) conferences, addressing critical themes: “The Future of Education,” “Climate Sustainability,” “World Heritage,” and “AI and Education.” These events attracted thousands of students worldwide, generating overwhelming participation and positive feedback.
The conference has consistently garnered international, national, and local attention. It has been supported and guided by the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and has received support and congratulations messages from various consulates and government bureaus in Hong Kong.
The UNESCO HKA is committed to providing students with more opportunities to broaden their horizons, develop interdisciplinary skills, inspire innovative thinking, and promote international exchange. Award-winning delegates were sponsored to represent the delegation of Hong Kong in Model UNESCO International Conference hosted by the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, hosted in Kazakhstan, and had remarkable achievements.
Each conference publishes a resolution, amplifying youth voices on global platforms, and providing valuable recommendation for local and international policy making.
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