HiESD & WISDP at the
United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29)
Dedicated to promote the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research, training and certification, the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) and the World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners (WISDP) are honored to be invited to lead the Hong Kong delegation to attend the COP29.
Hiesd and WISDP will jointly organize a side event with the theme of “Tell the story of China’s response to climate change and create new advantages in addressing climate change with new quality productivity” at the “China Pavilion” at the COP29 with China Environment Publishing Group and Sun Yat-sen University. Hong Kong Representatives will share Hong Kong’s progress and leadership in green technology innovation, green buildings, and green standards.
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Conference Handbook (Eng)
Conference Handbook (Chi)
COP29 - the world's largest climate conference
Since 1995, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have held a Conference of the Parties (COP) every year. Each COP meeting brings together leaders, experts, non-governmental organizations and businesses from nearly 200 countries to discuss how to respond to climate change. The 2015 COP21 meeting resulted in the establishment of the “Paris Agreement”, and this year’s COP29 will be held on November 1 It was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from October 11th to 22nd.
COP 29 fixed objectives
We all have a moral duty to avoid overshooting the 1.5°C temperature target. But the window of opportunity is closing and we must focus on the need to invest today to save tomorrow. Our fixed priority is delivering deep, rapid and sustained emission reductions now to keep temperatures under control and stay below 1.5°C, while leaving no one behind.
Enhance ambition and enable action
The COP29 Presidency’s plan is based on two mutually reinforcing parallel pillars. The first pillar — to “enhance ambition” — combines key elements to ensure all parties commit to ambitious national plans and transparency. The second pillar — to “enable action” — reflects the critical role of finance, a key tool to turn ambition into action and reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and address loss and damage.
Inclusive process for inclusive outcomes
The COP29 Presidency is listening to and engaging with a broad range of international stakeholders. It is working to ensure everyone’s voices are heard and perspectives are considered and included so that we deliver inclusive outcomes based on shared solutions. We are optimistic that together we can make real progress.
Spotlight on Climate Finance
This year’s COP29 will focus on climate finance, so it is also called the “Climate Finance COP”. Representatives of various countries will negotiate new climate financing targets at the COP29 conference and update the existing commitment of “providing US$100 billion in annual financing by 2025.”
Hong Kong SAR's Role in Climate Finance
An international financial center
As an international financial center, Hong Kong has the advantage of connecting national and international finance and trade, and plays a key role in promoting regional and global efforts to promote sustainable finance. The maturity and openness of Hong Kong’s financial market will attract and guide more green funds to flow to sustainable projects, becoming an international hub for green financing.
Development of green and sustainable finance
The Hong Kong government has taken a number of measures to promote the development of green and sustainable finance, including establishing the “Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group” and launching the “Green and Sustainable Finance Funding Scheme”. Hong Kong has unique competitiveness in the field of sustainable finance, and also provides local and international investors with abundant green investment opportunities, attracting international climate funds to flow into Hong Kong enterprises.
Participate in international climate negotiations and conferences
Leveraging our influence in the international financial community, we actively participate in international climate negotiations such as COP29, contribute innovative solutions to the formation of effective global climate action strategies, and at the same time showcase the climate capabilities of Hong Kong enterprises to the world.
Promote regional cooperation
China and the Hong Kong SAR have vigorously promoted cooperation in the Belt and Road and the Asia-Pacific region in recent years, with a specific focus on promoting the joint development of climate solutions that adapt to local needs.
Innovation and technology leadership
Hong Kong enterprises play an influential role in promoting low-carbon technology and innovation. At this China Pavilion side event, the HiESD and the WISDP will jointly release the “Sustaianble Development Innovation and Technology Solutions Report” , laying the foundation for Hong Kong to lead regional and international green technology development.
