The 4th International UNESCO Model on the Ethics of Neurotechnology hosted in Hong Kong for the first time

The 4th International UNESCO Model on the Ethics of Neurotechnology hosted in Hong Kong for the first time
Gathering youths from 25 countries for a global dialogue

On December 13, 2025, The World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA) and the Hong Kong Association for UNESCO (UHKA) successfully hosted the 4th International UNESCO Model (MUNESCO) Conference in Hong Kong, under the patronage of UNESCO and with the title sponsorship of Bank of China (Hong Kong). Nominees from Associations and Clubs for UNESCO from around the world were reviewed by a rigorous selection process, in which 30 outstanding young leaders from 25 countries, and 15 students from Hong Kong stood out to be invited to Hong Kong for a dynamic simulation and critical dialogue on the theme “Ethics of Neurotechnology.”

This is the first time that WFUCA’s flagship International UNESCO Model conference is to be hosted in Hong Kong, which underscores our city’s unique role as a global hub for innovation and cross-cultural exchange. The conference will not only connect Hong Kong youth with international peers but also reinforce the city’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation and international collaboration.

Indispensable Youth Contribution for Ethical Neurotechnology

Over the course of the conference, delegates stepped into the roles of UNESCO Member State representatives to negotiate and formulate innovative policy solutions addressing the urgent ethical challenges posed by rapid advancements in neurotechnology. The discussion responds to the ground-breaking Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference at its 43rd session in November 2025. The innovative proposals of the delegates were voted and summarised by UHKA Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors to a resolution, which will be to provide youth perspectives for future policies. The support by Bank of China (Hong Kong) demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to nurturing sustainable development talents with an international perspective for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, who will be able to offer suggestions and advice to contribute to Hong Kong’s high-quality development with a forward-looking mindset, fostering the city to become an influential international biotechnology innovation centre.

The conference attracted overwhelming positive attention from local, national, and global communities. The 30 international delegates from countries including Brazil, France, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, UAE, and more, were joined by 15 delegates from Hong Kong’s universities, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Visionary Remarks by Prestigious Guests

The Awards and Global Youth Exchange Ceremony was held grandly on the evening of 13 December. Prof. Karen Cheung, President of the Hong Kong Association for UNESCO, Ir. Chi Shing HO, Honorary President of the World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners, and the Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, Mr. Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Ms. Angel YIP Lai Lai, Deputy General Manager of the Corporate Social Responsibility Office of Bank of China (Hong Kong) officiated the event. Representatives from various consulates in Hong Kong, as well as medical and science faculties from top Hong Kong universities, also attended the event and exchanged ideas with youth representatives.

Prof. Karen Cheung set the tone in her welcoming remarks. “Hong Kong, as a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures and a leading innovation and technology hub, provides the perfect backdrop for this critical discussion on the ethics of neurotechnology,” she appreciated that the long-lasting collaboration between UHKA and WFUCA, the title sponsor Bank of China (Hong Kong), and all the innovative institutions and universities that have made the event remarkable.

The ceremony featured inspirational video messages from distinguished global leaders, including Ms. Assel Utegenova, Liaison Officer and Focal Point for Associations and Clubs for UNESCO at UNESCO Headquarters, and Mr. Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA). They highlighted that this Model UNESCO demonstrates that our youth are not just aware of the challenges posed by neurotechnology, but are eminently capable of crafting nuanced, compassionate, and globally minded solutions. Their work embodies the very spirit of international cooperation that UNESCO stands for. They praised the conference for its contribution to the global recommendation set forth by UNESCO’s work on the ethics of neurotechnology and appreciated UHKA’s commitment for being the hosting city of the event.

At the end of the first day’s programme, winners were announced in the following categories:

Best Idea and Approach: Ms. Guldariya Bisenbay, Delegate of Greece (participant from Kazakhstan)
Best Speaker: Mr. Isaack Mohamedin Hussein, Delegate and participant from Kenya
Best Presentation: Ms. Vivian Yuen, Delegate of Egypt (participant from Hong Kong)

Promoting youth cultural and knowledge exchange

The event featured a variety of programmes, including the youth panel on “Innovative Technology for Sustainable Development” by UHKA Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors, Hong Kong style milk tea intangible cultural heritage performance by Ms. Karen Lee, World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage Certified Tutor of the HiESD, and the runner-up in the 2024 National and Greater Bay Area Kamcha Competition (Hong Kong Style Milk Tea). The organisers arranged for the delegates to visit the City Gallery Hong Kong, Central Market and Tai Kwun on December 14, deepening international youth interaction and exchange, and sharing a vivid China story with the world.