9 8 HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 KEY EVENTS IN 2023 HKU PRESIDENT’S FORUM PONDERS THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY HKU HOSTS APRU PRESIDENTS’ MEETING Four pioneering scientists joined Professor Zhang at the inaugural HKU President’s Forum in April 2023 on the theme ‘Science and Society’, to reflect on the crucial role that science plays in safeguarding the future of humanity and tackling pertinent global issues, including climate change, sustainable growth and ageing populations. The renowned speakers brought a diverse range of expertise. Professor Dame Carol M Black is a respected clinician and UK government advisor; Professor Steven Chu is a Nobel Laureate in Physics and former Secretary of Energy of the US Government; Dr Jack Dangermond is an environmental scientist and creator of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and Professor John Hennessy is former President of Stanford University and winner of the Turing Prize. Collaboration and critical thinking were common themes in the discussion, echoed by Professor Zhang who emphasised the need for ‘techno-pragmatism’ – “Pragmatism, when it comes to new knowledge, is absolutely vital in unlocking the multilateral, multistakeholder solutions to global challenges,” he said. HKU welcomed presidents and senior administrators from leading universities across the Asia Pacific when it hosted the 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) in June 2023, for a three-day event on the theme ‘From Invention to Implementation – Solutions for a Sustainable Future’. A common thread in the discussions was the need for collaborative efforts to tackle current and future sustainability challenges. Panellists focussed on such topics as research on low-emission energy production and green technologies, and the vital role of higher education in empowering future generations to address the challenges and in providing innovative research-based solutions. Professor Zhang addressed participants and noted that addressing humanity’s negative impact on the planet cannot be done by a single nation alone, but by joint effort. “The conclusion of the meeting does not mark the end of our discussion. I believe that all APRU members will carry on our missions and work hand-in-hand towards sustainability,” he said. Watch event highlights Watch event highlights
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