SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 

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

From 2018 to 2022, 4798 research papers related to SDG 17 were published by HKUST.  

Green Finance Research 

Amid the rising global demand for green finance talent, HKUST published a first-ever in-depth research study to help Hong Kong chart the way forward in green and sustainable finance talent building.  The study maps out the key stakeholders, desired skill areas and knowledge progression path of the current Green and Sustainable Finance market, helping to guide the city’s strategic talent development into a green finance hub.  We also welcomed our first cohort of students admitted to the city’s first GSF undergraduate program BSc in Sustainable and Green Finance in September 2022. 

Empowering Sustainable Solutions Through Education and Technology 

In November 2022, HKUST agreed to collaborate with The Institute of Sustainability and Technology to co-create a series of global executive training programs to inspire purpose-driven business management.  The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) builds the partnership on ESG initiatives through education and technology. 

Global Sustainability Collaboration with Higher Education Institutes 

HKUST is an active member in the International Sustainable Campus Network, international forum to support higher education institutions in the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices for achieving sustainable campus operations and integrating sustainability in research and teaching.  ISCN recognized HKUST with a 2022 Excellence in Sustainability Award for our unique campus as a living lab approach, where we combine “Sustainable” with “Smart” elements for funded pro

In January 2022, the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong, with the project management office housed at HKUST, launched the Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme (JCSCCP). This strategic three-year program aims to leverage cross-campus impact and facilitate information sharing and best practices among member universities.. Under this program, the Lunchbox Lending Program was launched, focusing on upstream solutions by eliminating disposable meal containers at the source. 

HKUST Connect is one of our main initiatives to raise civic awareness and develop sustainable partnerships with the wider community to deepen student learning and promote a benevolent world. Over the past decade, HKUST Connect has partnered with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) to contribute to global volunteerism, providing students with valuable opportunities to work in United Nations Agencies across Asia and support various SDG-related initiatives.  

As part of the Changemaker Gear Up Training Series to equip students to lead and inspire change, HKUST Connect organized the Possible World - the simulation game for our shared future event that allowed students to explore of complex global sustainable development challenges and encouraging them to take action. 

The Climate Adaptation & Resilience Conference (CARE2022) was held on 10-12 December 2022 as an effort to convene stakeholders from various sectors to address Hong Kong's adaptation and resilience planning in response to climate change. The conference emphasized the importance of incorporating climate considerations across sectors, enhancing energy efficiency through building regulations, raising public awareness, and engaging youth. By highlighting Hong Kong's potential as a climate leader, the conference aimed to foster collaboration and concrete actions towards achieving carbon neutrality and building resilience. 

HKUST was the first university in Asia to be designated as a "Center for Teaching Sustainability Across the Curriculum" by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). By providing sustainability education opportunities, such as a Minor Program in Sustainability, HKUST aims to foster a cross-disciplinary sustainability mindset among students.  

The Sustainability Education Community (SEC) at HKUST promotes sustainability education and supports faculty and staff engaged in this area. The emphasizes interdisciplinary, inclusive, and multigenerational approaches to sustainability education. To identify opportunities and gaps in sustainability education, the Sustainable Education Advisory Group (SEAG) also conducts Sustainability Course Evaluation Report annually.