The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) Youth Forum 2024 as the Executive Presidency of AUA for 2023-2024. This 7-day forum, held from January 6-12, centered on the theme “Building a Better Future: Inspiring Youth for Sustainable Habitat”, brought together 45 students from 14 renowned AUA member universities across Asia to delve into the challenges, opportunities, and actions required for creating a sustainable future.
The forum offered a comprehensive program featuring insightful talks, interactive workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and sharing sessions. These sessions were led by HKUST professors, sustainability experts, and young entrepreneurs, with a focus on addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, solid waste management, carbon neutrality, etc. The aim was to inspire the next generation leaders to act and contribute to the creation of a sustainable living environment. Apart from the intellectual activities, participants also had the opportunity to engage in a sustainable campus guided tour, visit the South East New Territories Landfill to gain firsthand knowledge about waste management practices, and explore the local culture through a thematic tour to Tai O. The highlight of the event was the students' group presentations, where brilliant young minds shared their creative and practical solutions towards reducing waste on campus. These proposals are expected to have a significant impact not only on HKUST but beyond, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.
The AUA Youth Forum 2024 goes beyond sustainability. It also offered the opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures across Asia to interact and exchange ideas with each other, providing a platform that nurtures cross-cultural understanding and promotes global citizenship. The youth is the cornerstone of our collective future, the forum served as a catalyst for building connections and nurturing a network of future leaders committed to sustainable development and collaboration across borders.
