The UNESCO Hong Kong Association held the 2026 Secondary School Model UNESCO International Conference in Hong Kong on "The Ethics of Neurotechnology"
Sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong), 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 (WFUCA), the “2026 Secondary School Model UNESCO (MUNESCO) International Conference on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” was grandly held in Hong Kong on July 25, 2026. The conference brought together bright minds from 16 countries and over 20 cities around the world. They engaged in rigorous negotiation, collaboration, and strategic exchange and drafted the “Youth Prospect on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” to propose innovative solutions for the complex ethical challenges posed by rapid advancements in neurotechnology.
Cross-Cultural Youth-Led Dialogue That Leads to Impactful Solutions
This year’s conference theme is set with global significance in the context of the adoption of the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology at UNESCO General Conference in November 2025. At the regional level, it aligns and contributes to Hong Kong’s policy direction of becoming a hub for biotechnology financing and research and development in Asia, inspiring the world with China’s story. The conference brought together youth delegates from Cambodia, Canada, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, and cities in China including Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Shenzhen.
This marks the sixth Model UNESCO Conference in Hong Kong, building on the success of previous conferences—the “Youth Prospect” from the AI and Education conference was incorporated into the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. This year’s “Youth Prospect on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” will continue to drive youth-led policy impact, encouraging students to “think globally, act locally.” The conference also invited expert judges to give professional advice and guidance for the students’ proposals.
Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development
Model UNESCO is an interactive and youth-led experiential learning activity in which participants simulate meetings that take place within UNESCO as representatives of its Member States, with a steadfast commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants develop key interdisciplinary competencies for sustainable development, including systems thinking, strategic thinking, collaboration, critical thinking, and integrated problem-solving skills.
At the awards ceremony of the conference, Professor Karen Cheung, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, highlighted that the conference not only inspires an organic integration of diverse cultures and thoughts, but also cultivates in young people an appreciation that solutions must be tailored to local contexts, necessitating respect for cultural diversity and divergent perspectives, and the ability to seek consensus amidst differences, thereby co-creating a sustainable future that reconciles global principles with local realities.
A Critical and Timely Theme in Response to UNESCO's Latest Milestone and Hong Kong’s Education Development
Mr. Bolat Akchulakov, President of the WFUCA, appreciated the organisers for continuing the discussions initiated by university students at the 4th International UNESCO Model on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, co-hosted by the UHKA and WFUCA in December 2025. He praised that the conference served as an important example of how associations and clubs for UNESCO can create real international impact by empowering young people to participate in shaping global agendas.
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education of the Education Bureau of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (EDB) offered a message to the conference. She extended her gratitude to the organisers for their foresight in addressing the critical topic of “the Ethics of Neurotechnology”, giving opportunities for youths around the world to discuss and advance “Tech for Good” and sustainable development from a global perspective. She also highlighted how the conference responded to the “Blueprint for Digital Education Development for Primary and Secondary Schools” published in 2026 June by the EDB.
Awards Ceremony Officiated by Prestigious Guests
On the evening of July 25, the award ceremony and global youth exchange ceremony was held. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Karen Cheung, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development, Counsellor WANG Jian, Director-General of the International Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Ms. Yip Lai Lai, Deputy General Manager of the Corporate Social Responsibility Office of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr. Peter John LUND, Consul General of New Zealand in Hong Kong, Mrs. Magdalena Żukowska, Deputy Consul General of Poland in Hong Kong, Ms. Aknur Zhaksybai, Vice Consul General of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong, and Dr. Darwin Chen, SBS, Emeritus President and Honorary Advisor of the UHKA.
The ceremony also featured a youth panel on “From Innovation to Implementation – Bringing Youth’s Ideas to Reality” where UNESCO Hong Kong Association Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors shared how young people can take responsibility for promoting ethical development, entrepreneurship, and leadership when implementing innovative ideas.
在國際文化表演環節，學生及其導師帶來了豐富多彩的文藝節目，包括粵劇、哈薩克斯坦舞蹈、波蘭文化互動介紹及柬埔寨文化展示，為活動增添了濃厚的多元文化色彩。7月26日，主辦方在中國銀行（香港）的贊助下安排帶領學生參觀故宮文化博物館，進一步促進文化交流，展示香港作為文化與創新樞紐的成就與潛力。
During the international cultural performance session, students and their supervisors showcased a vibrant array of traditions, including Cantonese Opera, Kazakh dance, an interactive presentation on Polish culture, and a showcase of Cambodian culture, adding a rich multicultural dimension to the event. On July 26, the organisers also arranged special visit to the Palace Museum with generous sponsorship by Bank of China (Hong Kong), further promoting cultural exchange and showcasing Hong Kong’s achievements and potential as a hub for culture and innovation.
Looking Forward
This year’s conference brought together young talents from around the world, sparking cross-cultural and innovative dialogue at the intersection of neurotechnology and ethics. It not only broadened international perspectives but also demonstrated Hong Kong’s unique role as a global hub for technology governance. Through collaboration and co-creation, participants charted concrete directions for building an inclusive and responsible technological future.
Bank of China (Hong Kong)’s support for this project not only facilitated in-depth exchange among international young talents but also nurtured youths to generate high-quality and forward-looking ideas, translating youth discussions into policy recommendations and creating positive and meaningful impact on society.
More information: https://unesco.hk/web/munesco-neuro-2026/
Enquiry: +852-2312-7696 / esd@unescohk.org
鸣谢：
冠名赞助： Bank of China (Hong Kong)
Organizers: UNESCO Hong Kong Association, Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development
领衔支持机构： World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO
支持机构：
- Education Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- SDSN Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Productivity Council
- 香港教育大学
- HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
- CUHK Faculty of Medicine
- Hong Kong Baptist University Faculty of Science
- City University of Hong Kong College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Professional and Continuing Education of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- 香港大学教育学院
- The Hong Kong Sprinkles Charity Foundation
- 香港教育工作者联会
- 香港资优教育学苑
- 香港直接资助学校议会
- 英文中学联会
- 新界校长会
- Kowloon Region School Heads Association
支持领事馆：
- 白俄罗斯驻香港总领事馆
- 埃及驻香港总领事馆
- Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
- 德国驻香港总领事馆
- Consulate General of Mexico in Hong Kong
- 荷兰驻香港总领事馆
- 波兰驻香港总领事馆
获奖学生名单
最佳代表团
The delegation of Philippines – Lindsay Nogara, Nadinne Chloe Montes (Philippine Science High School – Davao)
优秀代表团：
The delegation of Spain – Akhtar Asjid Ullah, Limbu Deshika (Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School)
The delegation of Finland – Xiong Zixuan, Wang Yongqi (St. Stephen’s College)
特别嘉许代表团：
The delegation of Benin – Lau Sum Yui Selina, Cheng Zachary Michael (St. Stephen’s College)
The delegation of the Netherlands – Yuting Peng (Shanghai United International School), Jiayi Wu (Shanghai Southwest Weiyu Secondary School)
最佳策略：
The delegation of Malaysia – Aayushree Ghimire (Kavya School), Ipsa Lamichhane (Hetauda School of Management)
The delegation of Czech Republic – Szolajski Krzysztof, Wardak Andrzej (Zagle Secondary School)
The delegation of France – Natalia Monkiewicz, Sara Sowińska (Gdynia Bilingual High School No. 3)
最佳代表：
Jireh Chong (Victoria Shanghai Academy)
优秀代表：
Alsu Atakhanova (Oxford International School)
Lam Yue Hei (G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College)
Akhtar Asjid Ullah (Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School)
Wang Mingxi (Baiya Experimental School)
Best Speaker:
Kaneisha Haritash (Heritage International Xperiential School)
Lee Ching Yui (Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College)
Wong Sin Ping（香港廖宝珊纪念书院）
Julianna Beatrice Go (Philippine Science High School – Davao Region Campus)
入选国际大会参会学校名单：
- ELCHK Lutheran Academy (Hong Kong, China)
- Malvern College Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
- Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College (Hong Kong, China)
- Shenyang Fengtian Senior High School A Levels Examination Centre (Shenyang, China)
- Shenyang QSI International School (Shenyang, China)
- St. Stephen’s College (Hong Kong, China)
- Chea Sim Prek Anhchanh New Generation School (Cambodia)
- Pope Paul VI College (Hong Kong, China)
- Liu Po Shan Memorial College (Hong Kong, China)
- Zagle Secondary School (Poland)
- Philippine Science High School – Davao Region Campus (Philippines)
- Gdynia Bilingual High School No. 3 (Poland)
- Nazarbayev Intellectual school of Science and Mathematics in Nauryzbay district of Almaty (Kazakhstan)
- Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School (Hong Kong, China)
- Victoria Shanghai Academy (Hong Kong, China)
- Heritage International Xperiential School (India)
- College of the Kazakh National Academy of Arts (Kazakhstan)
- Almaty NIS Nauryzbay district (Kazakhstan)
- Oxford International School (Kyrgystan)
- Kavya School (Nepal)
- Hetauda School of Management and Social Sciences (Nepal)
- Northeast Yucai School (Shenyang, China)
- G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College (Hong Kong, China)
- “Vlaicu Voda” National College (Romania)
- Jincai High School International Division (JCID) (Shanghai, China)
- Shanghai United International School (Shanghai, China)
- Shanghai Southwest Weiyu Secondary School (Shanghai, China)
- Baiya Experimental School (Shenzhen, China)
Conference Background
Between 2022 and 2025, the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UNESCO HKA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) successfully organized six Model UNESCO (MUNESCO) conferences, addressing critical and timely global themes. These events attracted thousands of students worldwide, generating overwhelming participation and positive feedback.
In December 2025, the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA) and the UNESCO Hong Kong Association co-hosted the 4th International UNESCO Model Conference in Hong Kong on the theme “Ethics of Neurotechnology,” bringing together university students from 25 countries. The 2026 Secondary School Model UNESCO Conference builds upon this momentum, exploring new perspectives from secondary school students to construct a more comprehensive recommendation for global and regional bodies.
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 and 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 have been sponsored to represent Hong Kong in Model UNESCO International Conferences hosted by the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, achieving remarkable success.
Each conference publishes a resolution, amplifying youth voices on global platforms and providing valuable recommendations for local and international policy making. Notably, student recommendations from the 2024 conference on “Artificial Intelligence and Education” were incorporated into the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, and recommendations from the 2025 conference on “Smart and Sustainable Cities” received a formal response from the HKSAR Government.
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