UNESCO Hong Kong Association Attends UN Global Compact Leaders Summit as Regional Reporter, Showcasing Hong Kong’s Sustainable Development Achievements
The UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) participated in the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2025 as the Hong Kong Regional Reporter, highlighting the sustainable development achievements of local enterprises and elevating their global impact. The Summit was held on September 23 in New York during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event convened business leaders, UN officials, government representatives, and global stakeholders to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key discussion topics included innovations in financial markets, global climate goals, corporate climate investment, and sustainable supply chains, with a focus on identifying transformative solutions to accelerate SDG progress.
Professor Karen Cheung, President of UHKA and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD), attended the Summit alongside the Association’s Youth Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Americana Chen. They engaged with experts and business leaders to showcase the practical achievements of Hong Kong enterprises in advancing the SDGs. A particular focus was placed on how the “Certified Sustainable Development Corporations (CSDC®)” framework advocates for the UNGC’s Ten Principles and promotes the advancement of at least four key SDGs.
Participants held in-depth discussions on how companies can effectively allocate resources and address challenges amid the proliferation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and various sustainability reporting standards. UHKA’s representatives actively exchanged views with international guests on connecting Hong Kong enterprises with global standards and platforms to enhance their competitiveness.
To foster international collaboration, Professor Cheung presented the “United Nations Global Compact Hong Kong Regional Report 2022-2023” to Ms. Robin Hodess, CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative, and Mr. Axel von Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank.
Furthermore, leveraging the Summit platform, Professor Cheung, in her capacity as President of the World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners (WISDP), launched the “2025 Hong Kong Sustainable Development Innovative Technology Solutions Report”. She presented the publication to distinguished guests, including:
– Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact (UNGC)
– Ms. Susan Stawicki, Head of Reporting Products and Strategy, UNGC
– Mr. Jake Mendrik, Sustainability Reporting Manager, UNGC
– Mr. Ben Secretario, Programme Manager of the UNGC Network Philippines
– Mr. Douglas Kent, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Alliances at the Association for Supply Chain Management
– Mr. Michael Koehler, CEO and Partner of KONU
The report received positive feedback from attendees.
UHKA’s participation demonstrated to the international community the active contributions and innovative vitality of Hong Kong enterprises in advancing the SDGs. It also established a vital bridge for local businesses to expand globally, align with international standards, and step onto the world stage.
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