Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
Regional Climate Weeks inspire individuals and organizations to become part of the momentum created by the global climate agreement in Paris. In that sense it is a precursor to the next COP - COP26 in Glasgow. Bringing together diverse stakeholders in the public and private sectors around a common goal of addressing climate change, is the main goal of the Regional Climate Weeks. The Weeks comprise a series of events that provide space for a grassroots exchange of knowledge and best practices across the region on: Nationally Determined Contribution implementation, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Global Climate Action. The APCW platform is for stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. . . .
2021 is a historic year for global climate action at COP26. This is the year we either lose sight of the Paris targets, or it is the year we start implementing the Paris Agreement. It is our opportunity to increase global climate ambition in COVID-19 recovery and kick-start a decade of action. The Regional Climate Weeks 2021 build momentum towards success at COP26. The Virtual Thematic Sessions take the pulse of climate action in the region, explore climate challenges and opportunities, and showcase ambitious solutions. This is a platform for regional stakeholders to have their voice heard and contribute to COP26. . . .
Whenever you are looking to research what is happening in a particular place for the SDGs or simply sustainability in general, then it is always a good idea to find out what the official government position is and what resources the government provides. In Hong Kong the government website has an environment section which covers a wide variety of areas. These give you information about what Hong Kong is doing to encourage and promote sustainability, tell you what policies and government departments are involved and give pointers on non-government initiatives. You can use this as a good place to get ideas and start of lines of enquiry. . . .
The head of climate change at the UN has warned that world leaders are still “far away” from securing a deal to limit the disastrous effects of global heating, with less than five months to go before a key summit in Glasgow, reports The Guardian. Time is now running out, said Patricia Espinosa, who was formerly foreign minister of Mexico but now leads the UN on climate policy. She told the Observer that although advances had been made at the G7 meeting in Cornwall last weekend, progress had not been made on honouring past commitments to find $100bn (£72.5bn) a year to help developing countries invest in green technologies. “We’re still very far away from being fully confident of having a full success at Cop26,” she said. . . .
This week will see awards made to top performing companies, from SMEs to listed entities, in CSR. This is hosted by the Centre for Business Sustainability and the Consumer Council and is integrated with a conference and workshop. You can see more at SDSN and CUHK Business School. . . .
This game was inspired by the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The game has participants working together and in groups, exploring how the world can achieve sustainability goals. Will you create a prosperous, fair and sustainable world? The whole experience takes 2-3 hours including playing and reflection. Plus some extra time for networking. Participants often experience a change in perspective. Most players finish the game feeling excited, connected and ready to take action. Players often ask, “What can I do next to make a difference?” While players do finish the game with an understanding of the goals, targets and the various ways the world can achieve these, the change in attitude and worldview can be the most significant effect. . . .
Big thank you to Hong Kong Living for a great awards ceremony last week. The turnout of school principals and education company founders was a fine testament to the esteem they have been held in. A big thank you of course to the judges Anne-Maree Soon, Divya Samtani, Natasha Jain, Darren A. Bryant, Matt Harris, Ed.D., Crystal W., Elke Van dermijnsbrugge and Jessie Wong, and to the thousands of readers who voted. Great to have ITS Education Asia in the group. This is driven in large by the work we do beyond the classroom which is supporting the SDGs with the YCI . . .
SDSN Youth has developed a community of +700 Member Organizations worldwide. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) invites university clubs and societies, youth-led and youth-focused organizations, research institutes, NGOs, science-oriented youth groups, and other organizations that have expertise in one or more areas related to sustainable development, and who commit to work towards research, advocacy, education or implementing solutions for sustainable development, to become official Member Organizations (MOs) of the SDSN Youth. The objectives of the program are to improve access to information and opportunities for local and regional organizations at an international scale and to create a supportive network and shared learning space for youth-led and youth-focused organizations. . . .
