SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 

HKUST strives to promote a peaceful and inclusive society, where institutions are effective, accountable, and inclusive at all levels. Through our curriculum, research, policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement, we seek to foster transparency and fairness, ensuring inclusivity and academic freedom for all members of society, and driving lasting change through community involvement.  

 

Curriculum 

 

27 related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year. 

 

Research

 

From 2018 to 2022, HKUST published 72 research papers specifically related to SDG 11. 

 

Through Nexus, a research hub on the topic of Belonging, HKUST brings together researchers, students, support NGOs, creative practitioners and others interested in key issues concerning social integration and identity of “belonging” in Hong Kong today. We do this through a series of events and seminars, such as “Navigating Belonging: Exploring settlement for South Asians in Hong Kong through narrative and participatory photography” that explores the theme of settlement and belonging for minorities in Hong Kong.  

James SIMPSON, Associate Professor in the Division of Humanities at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, meets with NGOs, third sector organisations, students, academics, community activists. 

 

International Diversity 

 

HKUST ranked the third-most international university in the world, Times Higher Education (THE). The 2022 world’s most international universities ranking was compiled based on universities’ proportions of international staff, students, co-authored publications as well as their international reputation. HKUST has a very high percentage of non-local students and faculty and around 80 per cent of our faculty coming from outside of Hong Kong. In addition, HKUST maintains a network of more than 310 global institutional academic and research partners, and provides its students with abundant exchange, research, and internship opportunities both at home and overseas, helping them broaden their international horizons. More than 45 per cent of students undertake a worldwide exchange program, while some 70 per cent of students participate in regional and global internships.  

 

Working with Government and Industry 

 

The Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, with support from the InnoHK initiative brings together HKUST researchers with different parts of the world to conduct cutting-edge research in early detection and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.  

We also established a collaboration with Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) in February 2022 to further enhance knowledge and technology transfer in advanced 5G applications, third-generation semiconductors, and the use of sensors for sorting waste. 

February 2022: Dr. Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, and Prof. Nancy Ip, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, sign a MoU to collaborate on new R&D projects by leveraging patented technologies from both parties

The Data for Policy Conference hosted by HKUST Division of Public Policy (PPOL) in December 2022 discussed the implications of data science and digital technology for public policy and governance. The conference brings together researchers, experts, and practitioners from around the world to explore opportunities and challenges in data-driven innovation and its governance.   

 

Community Engagement 

 

The University actively seeks to promote understanding and support for all community members with diverse backgrounds or limitations. Through a range of interactive workshops, The Diversity Infinity Festival gives students and staff a chance to go on a journey of self-exploration that strengthens their hands-on experience of how to show support to all members of our society.  

The festival, titled "From Diversity to infinity" is founded on our unwavering belief in the inherent value and unique abilities of every individual. 

HKUST Connect organized a workshop to discuss the importance of responsible journalism and the challenges faced by journalists in navigating the digital age and distinguishing between facts and misinformation. Featuring Denise Tsang, SCMP News Editor, Stories Behind a Story - News Production at SCMP explored value of accurate and reliable news production, which is crucial for informed decision-making and maintaining trust in institutions.  

We also organized the Warzone 90 event to raise awareness about the impacts of war, including the destruction of cities, long-lasting economic effects, and the loss of human lives. the event provides participants with an opportunity to develop a humanitarian perspective and understand the importance of protecting human lives, caring for the vulnerable, and respecting human dignity.   

November 2022: Warzone 90 debriefing session