SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The courses "Global Challenges I" and "Global Challenges II" are year-long courses designed for students in transdisciplinary programmes at HKBU. Co-taught by Dr Glos Ho, Principal Lecturer from the Division of Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programmes, Dr Daisy Tam, Associate Professor at the Academy of Language and Culture, and Dr Kevin Lo, Associate Professor at the Academy of Geography, Sociology and International Studies, 143 students this year collaborated to address issues related to four daily essentials: clothing, eating, living, and commuting. The project partnered with WWF-Hong Kong, where selected students' work was showcased on the WWF-Hong Kong’s "Sustainable Living for the Health of People and Planet" website. Some students were invited to turn their ideas into reality through summer internships. In addition, the course partnered with Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, enabling students to collaborate with 40 students in Zhuhai to produce videos advocating for cross-border urban sustainability

Under the visionary endeavour of "One University, Two Campuses", Immersive Tours organised by the International Office provided a taster experience of the environment and provisions on the Zhuhai campus. This unique exploration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) allowed over 380 non-local and local students from 54 countries and regions to enjoy city tours that revealed the rich cultural tapestry of the GBA. They also learned to appreciate the economic and cultural dynamics of the region, including visits to large tech companies such as the new Tencent headquarters. By fostering cross-cultural understanding among students from diverse backgrounds, these tours contributed to building inclusive partnerships.

The Advanced Study Institute Online Symposium, co-organised by the Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning and The Education University of Hong Kong, took place on 7 December 2023. The event brought together 135 participants, marking a successful exploration of innovative assessment approaches in education through digital technologies. Keynotes and workshops highlighted the role of AI in enhancing authentic assessment, the application of cross-disciplinary knowledge, and the partnerships for improving assessment practices. The event aimed to shift focus toward evaluating the learning process, ensuring that assessments better reflect real-world challenges, and enhancing the overall student experience in higher education.

From 30 November to 2 December 2023, the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning broadened its collaborative network during the Meet Taipei Startup Festival. The Centre showcased its social innovation co-working space and incubation programmes. Three social innovation teams — Farmers' Bridge, SportCanHeal852, and Evergreen Wearable Tech Ltd — captivated visitors with their projects, drawing considerable interest for partnerships. They also drew inspiration from many startups, absorbing new experiences and innovative concepts. This synergy between public and private sectors played a pivotal role in advancing the HKBU social enterprises forward and establishing international connections, thereby reinforcing the University's dedication to fostering partnerships for sustainable development goals.

The General Education Office organised a seminar entitled "Transforming General Education with AI: A Showcase of Successful Student-Staff Partnership". This event featured two student partners alongside Dr Martin Chung from the Department of Government and International Studies and Dr Simon Wang from the Language Centre. Together, they demonstrated their collaborative efforts in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into General Education courses to innovate teaching practices and enhance students’ learning experience. This collaboration between students and faculty members showcased the power of partnerships in driving educational transformation and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Faculty of Science
Partner: Greenlink

The Science Festival, organised annually by the Faculty of Science, is a significant event that promotes sustainability and collaboration. It serves as a platform for fostering partnerships and advancing sustainable development. The festival features a diverse array of activities, including workshops, guided tours, demonstrations, and talks, all centred around the theme of “Waste-Free Future”. The primary audience consists of secondary school students, aiming to ignite their interest in science and technology, particularly in relation to sustainability. Through interactive experiences and engagement with scientists, students deepen their understanding of scientific topics related to a sustainable future.

Attracting over 700 visitors this year, the festival fostered a collective sense of responsibility for environmental sustainability. The participation of 115 secondary school students in the Waste-Free Science Competition further encouraged innovative thinking and practical solutions to waste management challenges, highlighting the impact of collaborative educational efforts. Additionally, the partnership with GreenLink enhanced the festival's educational outcomes and underscored the importance of collective action in achieving a waste-free future.

Established in 2010, the Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium (HKSCC) is tasked to educate and empower universities in driving sustainable development. In 2024, HKBU proudly assumed the position of convenor for the HKSCC and chair of its executive committee.

Under HKBU's convenorship, the first HKSCC Executive Committee meeting was held on 22 May 2024, bringing together senior management and sustainability representatives from eight UGC-funded universities. This platform facilitated the review of sustainability performance, sharing of best practices, and discussion of sustainability initiative implementation. The event also incorporated cultural elements, such as serving Chinese herbal tea prepared by HKBU School of Chinese Medicine, to promote holistic well-being and align with the sustainability focus.

Looking ahead, HKBU pledges to continue fostering a green campus culture, promoting responsible consumption behaviours, and partnering with HKSCC counterparts to support the carbon neutrality roadmap and contribute towards Hong Kong's 2050 carbon neutrality target.