Hong Kong Showcases Bold Climate Action and Green Finance Leadership at COP30 in Brazil
Hong Kong took center stage at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), hosting a prominent side event on 11 November at the China Pavilion entitled “Converging Innovation in Hong Kong: Forging a Resilient City and a Global Green Finance Hub.” The event spotlighted Hong Kong’s forward-thinking initiatives and accomplishments in climate change mitigation, energy transition, and green finance, attracting significant interest from conference participants. Experts noted that Hong Kong’s approach serves as an influential model for cities worldwide aiming to strengthen climate action and resilience. The event also provided a vital platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Side Event “Converging Innovation in Hong Kong: Forging a Resilient City and a Global Green Finance Hub”
Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology, detailed the city’s comprehensive roadmap for reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Key pillars include net-zero power generation, sustainable buildings, green transportation, large-scale resource recycling, hydrogen energy development, and expanded renewable energy use. Tse highlighted recent successes in reducing carbon emissions and advancing energy transition, reaffirming Hong Kong’s commitment to a zero-carbon future for its 7 million residents. He called for deeper international cooperation to confront climate change, underscoring Hong Kong’s readiness to partner with global stakeholders to create a climate-resilient and sustainable future.
Secretary for the Environment and Ecology of Hong Kong, Mr. Tse Chin-wan, delivered a speech
Distinguished Keynote speakers at the conference included Zhao Yingmin, President of the BRI International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC) and Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE); Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability; Dr. LAM Ching Choi, Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development; and Ms. LIN Shun Heung Ophelia, Vice Chairperson of Friends of the Earth Hong Kong.
Zhao Yingmin, former Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivered the keynote address
In his keynote, ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin praised Hong Kong’s urban transformation, describing it as “a pioneering city investing in green technology, clean energy, and sustainable planning.” Van Begin emphasized Hong Kong’s significance in the global sustainable development movement and noted that its experience offers valuable lessons for international cooperation and green transformation.
ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin delivered the keynote address
Mr. Claudio Nicolá Castro Salas, Mayor of Renca, Chile, highlighted how his city—an ICLEI member—has successfully engaged residents in building community resilience. He detailed innovative approaches to mobilizing public participation in tackling climate challenges and promoting sustainable development, providing attendees with practical examples and inspiration for fostering grassroots climate action.
Mr. Claudio Nicolá Castro Salas, Mayor of Renca, Chile, shared the city’s experiences at the conference
During COP30, the Hong Kong delegation visited the “Cities and Regions Hub” organized by ICLEI and held bilateral talks with the ICLEI delegation. They engaged in in-depth discussions on future prospects for cooperation in climate action, energy transition, resilience building, and international city exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative. Since becoming an ICLEI member in 2019, Hong Kong has actively participated in various activities within the ICLEI global network. Both parties look forward to further deepening their partnership to enhance Hong Kong’s influence in global urban sustainable development.
